Black
Black is the protagonist of the novel. He returns from the exile and wants to marry Shekure. He is tall and handsome, but rather hesitant, so in this case Shekure takes everything in her hands. Enishte, Black’s uncle and Shekure’s father, wants Black to investigate the murder of Elegant, and to continue the work on the book.
Shekure
Shekure is also the protagonist of the novel. She is a strong and confident woman, who tries to do her best to protect her sons and herself. After her father’s death she takes her fate into her own hands, and makes decisions by her own. She is a character, who symbolizes feminism.
Enishte
Enishte is Black’s uncle by his mother’s line. He is an old and wise man. The Sultan ordered him to make a book, which would glorify him and his realm, so he would present the Venetian ambassador with the book. Enishte is killed by one of his four masters, who were making pictures for the book. In the end it became clear that Olive was the one, who had killed both Enishte and Elegant.
Master Orhan
Master Orhan is the old master in the Sultan’s art studio. When he found out that the Sultan had chosen Enishte to work on the book, he became very envious.
Esther
Esther is the Jewish market woman selling shawls and other accessories for women. Esther secretly hands love letters, and many men and women had married with her help. Esther helps Shekure and Black to pass letters, she also gives Shekure letters from Hasan. Esther is very clever, cunning and even-tempered person. Though she is illiterate, she manages to make a fortune by passing the letters.
Elegant
Elegant is one of the four masters, who were working on the pictures for the secret book. The novel opens with his death, and the investigation of this crime is the main plot line of the story.
Butterfly and Stork
Butterfly and Stork are another two masters, who were working on the book.
Olive
Olive is the fourth master, who was working on the book. He is the most gifted of them all, that’s why he became obsessed with pride. He is the one who had killed Elegand and master Enishte.
Hayriye
Hayriye is Shekure’s maid. She looks after her sons, and cleans the house. Hayriye helps Shekure to pass her letters, but also tells Enishte of everything she knows of Shekure’s affairs.
Shevket and Orhan
Shevket and Orhan are Shekure’s children. Their relationship is filled with hatred, and they all always are fighting with each other.
Hasan
Hasan is Shekure’s husband’s brother. He fell in love with Shekure and tried to take her by strength. After this Shekure fled to her father’s house, and Hasan tried to make her return.
