Qindil Muhammad al-Innabi
Qindil Muhammad al-Innabi is better known throughout the novel as Ibn Fattouma, which means 'son of Fattouma'. Qindil is the protagonist of the novel as well as its narrator. He sets off on a journey from his homeland, the Land of Islam, in order to find the Land of Gebel, which is known for its perfection. During his quest, Qindil repeatedly falls in love with new women as he travels through various lands.
Halima
Halima is the first woman that Qindil falls in love with, although it isn't love at first sight. Despite this, after some time with each other, they both get engaged, even though his mother has several reservations about the arrangement. However, Halima is instead forced to marry a Sheikh, the Sultan's third chamberlain, after he spots her beauty and her father has no choice due to his lack of power.
Arousa
Arousa is the woman that Qindil falls in love with while he is in the Land of Mashriq. Arousa can't be bought or married to Qindil due to the laws of the land, so instead a union is arranged between them. Arousa mothers many of Qindil's children, before being sold off as a prisoner of war to a far more wealthy and powerful man than Qindil.
