Estimated read time: 11 min read
Table of Contents
- List of Characters in "The Amulet of Samarkand"
- Role Identification
- Character Descriptions
- Character Traits
- Character Backgrounds
- Character Arcs
- Relationships
- In-Depth Character Analyses
- Character Dynamics and Themes
- Character Arcs in Context
- Relationships and Their Evolution
- Conclusion: Character Impact on the Narrative
List of Characters in "The Amulet of Samarkand"
| Character Name | Role | Main Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel | Protagonist, Young Magician | Intelligent, ambitious, vengeful, insecure |
| Bartimaeus | Djinni, Secondary Protagonist | Witty, sarcastic, pragmatic, ancient wisdom |
| Simon Lovelace | Antagonist, Magician | Ruthless, ambitious, manipulative |
| Arthur Underwood | Nathaniel’s Master, Magician | Cowardly, ineffectual, bureaucratic |
| Martha Underwood | Arthur’s Wife, Maternal Figure | Kind, empathetic, protective |
| Jessica Whitwell | Senior Magician, Government | Authoritative, stern, fair |
| Faquarl | Djinni, Rival to Bartimaeus | Malicious, clever, competitive |
| Jabor | Demon, Lovelace's Servant | Aggressive, violent, loyal to Lovelace |
| Mandrake (Nathaniel’s Chosen Name) | Nathaniel’s Adult Persona | Calculating, determined, evolving |
| Ms. Lutyens | Nathaniel’s Tutor | Supportive, nurturing, knowledgeable |
Role Identification
Main Characters
- Nathaniel: The young magician apprentice whose quest for vengeance propels the plot.
- Bartimaeus: A witty, ancient djinni summoned by Nathaniel to steal the Amulet of Samarkand.
- Simon Lovelace: The primary antagonist, a powerful and ambitious magician seeking greater influence.
Secondary Characters
- Arthur Underwood: Nathaniel’s ineffectual master, representing the old, stagnant order of magicians.
- Martha Underwood: The nurturing figure who provides Nathaniel with emotional support.
- Jessica Whitwell: A senior government magician, symbolizing authority and justice.
- Faquarl & Jabor: Demonic adversaries providing magical conflict and threat.
- Ms. Lutyens: Nathaniel's early mentor and voice of reason.
Character Descriptions
Nathaniel
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 11-12 years old at the novel's start |
| Appearance | Thin, pale, nondescript—typical of a neglected child |
| Personality | Highly intelligent, emotionally volatile, vengeful |
| Motivation | Seeks recognition, respect, and justice for personal wrongs |
| Background | Orphaned, sold by his parents to become a magician’s apprentice |
Nathaniel is a child prodigy with a keen intellect and natural magical ability. However, his upbringing under Arthur Underwood is cold and repressive, making him deeply insecure and hungry for validation.
Bartimaeus
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Djinni (4th-level spirit), thousands of years old |
| Appearance | Shape-shifter; often appears as a young boy or animal |
| Personality | Sarcastic, witty, cynical, resourceful |
| Motivation | Survival, freedom, self-preservation |
| Background | Has served countless masters across history, including King Solomon |
Bartimaeus’s ancient perspective provides humor and insight into the magical world. He resents his enslavement but adapts quickly to survive and outwit magicians.
Simon Lovelace
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Rising magician, ambitious and dangerous |
| Appearance | Handsome, stylish, meticulously dressed |
| Personality | Charismatic, manipulative, cruel |
| Motivation | Seeks power through the Amulet of Samarkand |
| Background | Member of the upper echelons of London’s magical government |
Lovelace is a classic villain, using charm and intelligence to manipulate those around him. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Arthur Underwood
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Low-ranking magician, Nathaniel’s master |
| Appearance | Fussy, bespectacled, balding |
| Personality | Cowardly, bureaucratic, insecure |
| Motivation | Desires to protect his status and avoid conflict |
| Background | Embodies the stagnant magical establishment |
Underwood is inept at both magic and mentorship, failing Nathaniel both professionally and emotionally.
Martha Underwood
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Arthur’s wife, surrogate mother to Nathaniel |
| Personality | Gentle, warm, compassionate |
| Motivation | Protects Nathaniel, tries to mitigate her husband’s neglect |
| Background | The emotional center of Nathaniel’s early life |
She provides the only warmth and understanding Nathaniel receives as a child.
Character Traits
| Character | Primary Traits | Secondary Traits | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel | Intelligent, ambitious, curious | Insecure, sensitive, loyal | Vengeful, prideful |
| Bartimaeus | Witty, resourceful, cynical | Self-preserving, astute | Arrogant, sometimes reckless |
| Lovelace | Manipulative, charismatic | Intelligent, ambitious | Ruthless, egotistical |
| Underwood | Bureaucratic, timid | Pedantic, rule-bound | Cowardly, ineffectual |
| Martha | Compassionate, nurturing | Protective, empathetic | Powerless in magician’s world |
| Whitwell | Authoritative, just | Stern, principled | Rigid, distant |
| Faquarl | Malicious, clever | Scheming, competitive | Spiteful, treacherous |
| Jabor | Brutal, loyal | Single-minded, menacing | Lacks subtlety |
| Ms. Lutyens | Supportive, wise | Patient, insightful | Limited power |
Character Backgrounds
Nathaniel
Nathaniel is introduced as a young orphan, sold by his parents into magical apprenticeship. He arrives at the Underwood household seeking affection and understanding but finds only coldness and criticism. Despite his master’s discouragement, Nathaniel’s curiosity and determination drive him to master advanced magic in secret. The first significant trauma in his life—being humiliated by Simon Lovelace—ignites his thirst for revenge.
Bartimaeus
Bartimaeus’s background spans millennia, having served many masters and played a part in significant historical events. His long experience with human magicians gives him a jaded outlook. He is knowledgeable about magical lore and the hidden dangers of the magician’s world. Bartimaeus’s survival instincts are finely honed, and he is adept at manipulating situations for his benefit.
Simon Lovelace
Lovelace’s background is less detailed, but he is shown to have risen quickly through the ranks of London’s magical elite. His ambition is fueled by a desire for recognition and power. He is well-connected and commands respect and fear through his magical prowess and ruthlessness.
Arthur and Martha Underwood
Arthur Underwood is a low-level government magician who clings to his minor position. He is more concerned with appearances than genuine mentorship. Martha, his wife, offers a counterbalance, providing Nathaniel with kindness and care. The Underwoods represent the divided household in which Nathaniel grows up—one side cold and indifferent, the other warm but powerless.
Character Arcs
Nathaniel
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Innocence | Begins as an eager, idealistic apprentice |
| Humiliation | Traumatized by Lovelace’s abuse; loses faith in authority |
| Awakening | Secretly studies advanced magic, driven by desire for revenge |
| Empowerment | Summons Bartimaeus, successfully steals the Amulet |
| Confrontation | Faces Lovelace, risking life and reputation |
| Growth | Learns the moral ambiguities of power and magic |
| Resolution | Emerges changed—more cynical, but also more aware of responsibility |
Nathaniel’s arc is a coming-of-age story marked by trauma, ambition, and the gradual understanding of the complexities of power.
Bartimaeus
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Reluctant Servitude | Summoned against his will by Nathaniel |
| Survival | Navigates threats from magicians and other spirits |
| Connection | Develops a reluctant respect for Nathaniel’s intelligence |
| Sacrifice | Takes risks to help Nathaniel, despite self-interest |
| Liberation | Returns to Other Place with a new perspective on humans |
Bartimaeus’s arc is subtler; he begins cynical and self-serving, but experiences moments of empathy and reluctant camaraderie.
Simon Lovelace
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambition | Plots to use the Amulet to seize power |
| Manipulation | Uses threats, blackmail, and violence to achieve goals |
| Hubris | Underestimates Nathaniel and Bartimaeus |
| Downfall | Defeated by Nathaniel’s resourcefulness and Bartimaeus’s cunning |
Lovelace’s arc is a cautionary tale about hubris and the self-destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
Arthur Underwood
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority | Wields power over Nathaniel, upholds magical status quo |
| Denial | Refuses to acknowledge Nathaniel’s potential or feelings |
| Powerlessness | Exposed as ineffective when Lovelace attacks |
| Defeat | Killed during Lovelace’s coup, symbolizing the end of an era |
Arthur’s arc reflects the decline of old authority and the dangers of complacency.
Relationships
| Relationship | Nature | Key Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel & Bartimaeus | Master-servant, evolving to reluctant partnership | Mutual resentment, growing respect |
| Nathaniel & Lovelace | Victim-antagonist | Revenge, power struggle |
| Nathaniel & Arthur Underwood | Apprentice-master, dysfunctional | Neglect, disappointment |
| Nathaniel & Martha Underwood | Surrogate mother-son | Affection, protection |
| Bartimaeus & Lovelace | Past adversaries, mutual animosity | Distrust, open hostility |
| Bartimaeus & Faquarl/Jabor | Rival spirits, enemies | Competition, antagonism |
| Nathaniel & Ms. Lutyens | Student-tutor | Support, guidance |
| Lovelace & Underwood | Colleagues, rivals | Deception, betrayal |
| Underwood & Martha | Husband-wife, distant | Martha’s empathy vs. Arthur’s coldness |
In-Depth Character Analyses
Nathaniel
Psychological Complexity
Nathaniel is a study in contrasts. He is precocious, determined, and eager to prove himself. His childhood trauma—particularly the betrayal by his master and the cruelty of Lovelace—fuels a desire for vengeance. These emotions make him vulnerable to pride and short-sighted decisions.
Agency and Growth
Nathaniel’s agency is evident in his secret studies and the bold summoning of Bartimaeus. He risks everything to right his perceived wrongs. As the plot unfolds, he faces the moral ambiguities of the magician’s world, questioning the ethics of power and manipulation.
Heroism and Flaws
Nathaniel’s heroism lies not in innate goodness but in his willingness to challenge authority and accept responsibility for his actions. However, his journey is marred by arrogance and the corruption of his ideals. By the novel’s end, he is more mature but also more cynical.
Bartimaeus
Voice and Perspective
Bartimaeus’s first-person narrative injects wit and irony into the story. His historical allusions and sardonic commentary provide a critical lens on the magician’s world.
Survival Instincts
As a spirit routinely enslaved by humans, Bartimaeus’s primary drive is survival. His cynicism is born of millennia of servitude and betrayal.
Empathy and Change
Despite his self-interest, Bartimaeus demonstrates moments of empathy, especially toward Nathaniel. Their partnership evolves from mutual hostility to a grudging respect, hinting at Bartimaeus’s capacity for connection.
Simon Lovelace
Charisma and Villainy
Lovelace is a magnetic figure, able to charm and manipulate those around him. His ambition is unchecked, and he views others as pawns.
Methods and Downfall
Lovelace employs blackmail, threats, and violence to pursue his goals. His downfall comes from underestimating Nathaniel and relying too heavily on brute force.
Symbolism
Lovelace symbolizes the dangers of power without conscience. His defeat is a warning about the costs of unchecked ambition.
Arthur Underwood
Authority and Weakness
Underwood embodies the ineffectual bureaucracy of the magician’s government. He maintains authority through rules but lacks true leadership.
Relationship with Nathaniel
Underwood’s neglect and criticism deeply scar Nathaniel, driving the latter toward rebellion. Underwood’s demise is both literal and symbolic—the end of his kind of leadership.
Martha Underwood
Compassion in a Harsh World
Martha is a rare source of kindness in Nathaniel’s life. Her inability to protect him from Arthur’s neglect or the dangers of the magician’s world highlights the limitations of compassion without power.
Character Dynamics and Themes
Power and Responsibility
The novel explores the ethical dilemmas of wielding magical power. Nathaniel’s journey is a meditation on the costs of ambition and the necessity of empathy.
Servitude and Freedom
Bartimaeus’s narrative foregrounds the theme of servitude. His desire for freedom underscores the exploitative nature of the magician-spirit relationship.
Authority and Rebellion
Nathaniel’s defiance of his master and the magical establishment is a classic coming-of-age rebellion. The book questions the legitimacy of authority and the need for reform.
Character Arcs in Context
| Character | Start of Book | End of Book | Key Turning Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel | Naive, eager, insecure | Hardened, mature, more cynical | Summoning Bartimaeus, defeating Lovelace |
| Bartimaeus | Cynical, self-preserving | Reluctantly empathetic, wiser | Risking himself for Nathaniel |
| Lovelace | Ambitious, powerful | Defeated, exposed | Underestimating Nathaniel |
| Underwood | Authoritative, aloof | Powerless, dead | Lovelace’s coup |
| Martha | Supportive, nurturing | Bereaved, powerless | Underwood’s death |
Relationships and Their Evolution
| Character Pair | Initial Relationship | Key Events Influencing Relationship | Final State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel & Bartimaeus | Master/servant, antagonistic | Shared dangers, mutual reliance | Mutual respect, parting |
| Nathaniel & Lovelace | Victim/antagonist | Humiliation, theft of Amulet, confrontation | Nathaniel victorious |
| Nathaniel & Underwood | Apprentice/master, cold | Underwood’s neglect, Lovelace’s attack | Underwood dead |
| Nathaniel & Martha | Maternal, warm | Martha’s support, her grief | Martha alone, Nathaniel changed |
| Bartimaeus & Faquarl | Rivals, adversarial | Competing in magical schemes | Ongoing rivalry |
Conclusion: Character Impact on the Narrative
Each character in "The Amulet of Samarkand" serves a critical function in the novel’s thematic landscape. Nathaniel’s transformation from innocence to experience is mirrored by Bartimaeus’s reluctant acceptance of human complexity. Lovelace’s villainy exposes the dangers of unchecked ambition, while Underwood’s failure highlights the need for meaningful reform. The relationships—marked by betrayal, loyalty, manipulation, and empathy—drive the narrative forward and deepen the novel’s exploration of power, justice, and identity.
The interplay between magician and spirit, master and servant, authority and rebellion, forms the core of the book’s character-driven storytelling. The nuanced arcs ensure that each character leaves a lasting imprint on the reader and on the magical world Stroud has created.
