Alan Clay
Alan is the protagonist. He's a troubled man, having recently undergone a messy divorce, which robbed him of nearly all of his savings. Although he's in the prime of his sales career, he is facing enormous self-doubt at being single again at this stage of life. He maintains a close relationship with his daughter, Kit, but she's also hurting from the divorce and unable to offer him the kind of stability he needs. Far away from home, he feels more untethered than ever. Additionally, when he arrives in Saudi Arabia nothing is prepared as expected, and his team doesn't have the internet or air conditioning or any number of resources they need to make a successful presentation for the king. By the time Alan notices the lump on his back and makes an incision on his own, he has all but lost his chance for this sale. Reduced to almost nothing on a trip which is supposed to represent the culmination of his career, Alan, without his knowledge, is perfectly positioned to take some huge risks -- which take the form of the beautiful, aging divorcè, Zahra. Together the two of them build a new life together in Saudi Arabia.
Karim Al-Ahmed
This is the king's representative. He is supposed to facilitate the presentation and support Alan's team while they are in Saudi Arabia, but he remains elusive and confusing in his communication. Alan never manages to get a straight answer from this rigid diplomat.
Hanna
Hanna is a Danish executive working temporarily out of Saudi Arabia. She's already lived there for sometime, so she's able to offer Alan some valuable advice -- in English. Also she gives him a bottle of forbidden alcohol, which helps him survive the discomfort of his visit. Ultimately she is powerless to influence the king's reception of Alan and his team, but her friendliness and comfort inspire Alan with hope.
Youssef
When Alan is late on day one for his meeting with the king, he hires a cab driver -- Youssef -- to drive him to the compound as quickly as possible. Through multiple other meetings the two become friends. Youssef is concerned for Alan, especially when he learns about his friendliness with Zahra. He's struggling in his own damaged love life because he fell for a married woman whose husband is now looking for Youssef. Although he possesses no power, influence or money, Youssef is probably the single most helpful person to Alan. He treats Alan like a person and a friend, refusing to be intimidated by the cultural boundary between them.
Zahra
Zahra is a recently divorced doctor and mother. During her meeting with Alan, she gifts him with unimaginable honesty -- the first time he's received a straight, sincere answer the entire trip. Through his frightening surgery, she is a steady support to him. Their connection over their mutual experience of divorce late in life and of struggling to parent adult children pushes them close together very quickly, eventually resulting in a blooming romance. She marries Alan and invites him to stay in Saudi Arabia with her and her children.
