"The Hakawati" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"The Hakawati" by Rabih Alameddine is a multi-generational family saga that intertwines the stories of various members of the Al-Kharrat family. The protagonist, Osama Al-Kharrat, serves as the narrator and central character through which the story unfolds. He is the thread that connects the different generations and their tales.

Character Descriptions

1. Osama Al-Kharrat: Osama is a Lebanese-American man in his 30s who returns to his homeland for his father's funeral. He is a storyteller, known as a hakawati, and inherits the tradition from his grandmother. Osama is introspective, creative, and struggles with his identity and sense of belonging.
2. Rafiq Al-Kharrat: Rafiq is Osama's father and a successful businessman. He is stern, traditional, and has a strained relationship with Osama due to their differing views on life and storytelling. Rafiq's stories reflect his own experiences and the struggles of his generation.
3. Fatima Al-Kharrat: Fatima is Osama's mother and a loving, supportive figure in his life. She is more open-minded than Rafiq and encourages Osama's passion for storytelling. Fatima's stories often revolve around family and the importance of love and connection.
4. Sheherezade Al-Kharrat: Sheherezade is Osama's grandmother and the matriarch of the Al-Kharrat family. She is a master storyteller and passes down the art of storytelling to Osama. Sheherezade's stories are rich with mythology, folklore, and historical events.
5. Salim, Tariq, Amar, Baybars, Sultan, and Nizar Al-Kharrat: These are Osama's uncles, each with their own distinct personalities and stories. They contribute to the multi-faceted narrative of the book, providing different perspectives and experiences.
6. Fareeda: Fareeda is Osama's aunt and the wife of Salim. She is a strong-willed and independent woman who challenges societal norms. Fareeda's stories often reflect themes of feminism and empowerment.
7. Lina: Lina is a woman Osama meets during his visit to Lebanon. She becomes his love interest and plays a significant role in his personal journey. Lina's stories explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships.
8. Randa: Randa is Osama's childhood friend, and their interactions provide glimpses into his past. Randa's stories evoke feelings of nostalgia and highlight the importance of friendship and shared memories.

Character Traits

• Osama Al-Kharrat: introspective, creative, conflicted, passionate, nostalgic
• Rafiq Al-Kharrat: stern, traditional, authoritative
• Fatima Al-Kharrat: loving, supportive, open-minded
• Sheherezade Al-Kharrat: wise, captivating, mythical
• Salim Al-Kharrat: jovial, charismatic, adventurous
• Tariq Al-Kharrat: intellectual, contemplative, philosophical
• Amar Al-Kharrat: rebellious, free-spirited, unconventional
• Baybars Al-Kharrat: mysterious, enigmatic, spiritual
• Sultan Al-Kharrat: ambitious, driven, business-minded
• Nizar Al-Kharrat: sensitive, artistic, dreamer
• Fareeda: strong-willed, independent, feminist
• Lina: compassionate, understanding, complex
• Randa: nostalgic, loyal, reminiscent

Character Background

Osama Al-Kharrat, born and raised in the United States, is a first-generation Lebanese-American. He grew up in a household deeply rooted in Lebanese traditions and storytelling. His father, Rafiq, expected him to follow in his footsteps and become a successful businessman, but Osama's passion lies in storytelling.

Osama's grandmother, Sheherezade, recognizes his talent and becomes his mentor, passing on the art of storytelling that has been a tradition in their family for generations. Through her guidance, Osama learns about the power of storytelling to connect people, preserve traditions, and make sense of the world.

As Osama returns to Lebanon for his father's funeral, he grapples with his identity as a Lebanese-American and the complexities of his heritage. Through his interactions with family members, including his uncles and mother, Osama explores the stories that shaped his upbringing and the different perspectives within his family.

Character Arcs

1. Osama Al-Kharrat: Throughout the book, Osama undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery. As he reconnects with his family and their stories, he begins to reconcile his Lebanese and American identities. Osama's character arc revolves around finding his own voice as a storyteller and understanding the importance of preserving family history and traditions.
2. Rafiq Al-Kharrat: Rafiq's character arc revolves around his strained relationship with Osama and his eventual realization of the power of storytelling. Through his interactions with his son and the stories he shares, Rafiq learns to appreciate the value of imagination and the connection it brings.
3. Sheherezade Al-Kharrat: Sheherezade's character arc focuses on passing on her storytelling legacy to Osama and witnessing the continuation of their family's traditions. She is a guiding force for Osama, helping him embrace his identity and find his place within the family narrative.
4. Lina: Lina's character arc intertwines with Osama's, as they navigate their relationship and the challenges that arise from their different cultural backgrounds. Lina's character represents the bridge between Osama's Lebanese roots and his American upbringing, helping him find balance and acceptance.

Relationships

1. Osama and Rafiq: Osama's relationship with his father is complex and strained due to their differing views on life and storytelling. However, as the story progresses, they begin to understand each other better, leading to a deeper appreciation for their shared heritage.
2. Osama and Fatima: Osama's relationship with his mother, Fatima, is loving and supportive. She encourages his passion for storytelling, serving as a bridge between him and his father.
3. Osama and Sheherezade: Sheherezade is Osama's mentor and grandmother. Their relationship is filled with warmth and wisdom, as she passes down the art of storytelling and guides him on his journey of self-discovery.
4. Osama and his Uncles: Each uncle represents a different aspect of the Al-Kharrat family history and contributes to Osama's understanding of his heritage. Their relationships with Osama are both familial and mentor-like, as they share their stories and offer guidance.
5. Osama and Fareeda: Fareeda, Osama's aunt, challenges societal norms and inspires him to question tradition. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and shared values.
6. Osama and Lina: Lina becomes Osama's love interest and plays a significant role in his personal growth. Their relationship serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and understanding.
7. Osama and Randa: Randa, Osama's childhood friend, represents his connection to his past. Their relationship evokes feelings of nostalgia and highlights the importance of shared memories and friendship.

In conclusion, "The Hakawati" by Rabih Alameddine is a richly woven tapestry of characters and their stories. Through the character analysis, we gain insight into the diverse personalities, backgrounds, and relationships that shape the narrative. Osama's journey of self-discovery, guided by his family's stories, forms the heart of the novel, making it a compelling exploration of identity, tradition, and the power of storytelling.