Characters in Palace of Desire

Kamal Abd al-Jawad

The sensitive youngest son, now a teenager torn between hopeless love and a crisis of faith.

Also in Sugar Street

Ahmad Abd al-Jawad

The patriarch of the Al Jawad family, a former soldier and merchant whose life unravels as he confronts his own desires and failures after losing his son.

Al-Sayyid Ahmad Abd al-Jawad

The patriarch, drawn back to his old indulgences after years of mourning.

Also in Palace Walk, Sugar Street

Aida

The elegant, unattainable object of Kamal's love.

Yasin

The eldest son, whose scandalous marriages upend the family.

Also in Palace Walk

Zanuba

The lute player who entangles both father and son.