The setting begins in the Andalusian region of Spain and moves to Tangier,
the Al-Fayoum oasis, and eventually the pyramids in Egypt. The story ends
where it began in Spain. The time is the present day.
Santiago
He is a shepherd boy, who because of a recurring dream, decides
to find his treasure at the pyramids in Egypt. Along the way, he meets
a Gypsy woman, an Old King, a crystal merchant, an Englishman, and an
alchemist, all of whom teach him something about fulfilling his Personal
Legend and striving to find his treasure. He is a very wise young man
and yet one who has much to learn. Because he holds fast to his dream,
he becomes a better man.
The Gypsy Woman
She is the first one Santiago consults about his dream. She is
mysterious and yet religious as can be attested by the Sacred Heart of
Jesus picture on her wall. She tells Santiago that because it was a child
who took his hands in the dream and led him to the pyramids, he must go.
However, before she tells him anything, she makes him promise that he
will give her one-tenth if he finds his treasure. He eventually brings
her the price, because he is honorable and he has promised.
The Old King
He is the second to help Santiago and gives him the stones named
Urim and Thummim. He also advises Santiago to never stop dreaming and
follow the omens. His name is Melchizedek and he is a Biblical figure
who had once helped Abraham on behalf of God. He is sometimes believed
to be Jesus Christ.
The Crystal Merchant
He is a man for whom Santiago begins to work and who profits
from the boy's aptitude in improving sales. He teaches Santiago how important
it is to follow through and not give up on his dream. His dream had been
to travel to Mecca on a pilgrimage, but because he never does, he's afraid
that the reality will destroy the dream and so he never goes. His sense
of regret encourages Santiago to take what he has earned there and buy
a ticket to Tangier.
The Englishman
He is a young man who has spent ten years of his life reading
about alchemy with the hope of discovering the Master Work. He goes with
Santiago on the caravan to the oasis so he can find the oldest alchemist
of them all and learn his secrets. He teaches Santiago that not all information
can be found in books and that one should observe what goes on around
him as well. The Englishman eventually discovers that for himself after
consulting with the alchemist.
The alchemist
He is rumored to be over 200 years old and lives on the Al-Fayoum
oasis. He has an advanced sense that Santiago is coming to the oasis and
knows it is his responsibility to lead him to the pyramids. Along the
way, he teaches the boy much about listening to his heart and reaching
out for his dream no matter what the cost. He never does anything for
the boy except guide him and allow him to learn for himself.
The alchemist has the Elixir of Life and the Philosopher's Stone, which allow
him to make any metal into gold. That is his Personal Legend, which he
had achieved many years before. His name is not capitalized, because the
title could be taken by anyone, like Santiago, who learns the truth of
the Master Work.
Fatima
She is the beautiful young woman whom Santiago meets at a well
on the oasis. She directs them to the alchemist, but in the process of
that first conversation, Santiago falls in love with her and she eventually
falls in love with him. As a desert woman, she is willing to wait for
him to find his treasure and fulfill his Personal Legend.
The Camel Driver
Santiago meets him on the caravan journey to the oasis and from
him learns all about the importance of the present. He had lost everything
to the flooding of the Nile, but now he is content to work as a camel
driver and take one day at a time.
The Tribal Chieftain
He demands that Santiago turn himself into the wind and in the
process, discovers that the boy has seen the glory of God.
Clapsaddle, Diane. "TheBestNotes on A Long Way Gone".
TheBestNotes.com.
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