Fatma is an agent for the Egyptian Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities in 1912 Cairo. Known for wearing sharp Western men's suits, she investigates crimes involving magical beings and artifacts. She maintains a dedicated approach to her work, striving for justice in a rapidly modernizing society that relies heavily on djinn labor.

Siti is a woman of Nubian descent and a devout follower of the Egyptian goddess Hathor. She works as an informant and messenger for her temple, frequently traveling to fulfill their requests. She moves with exceptional grace and martial skill, often fighting alongside Fatma in dangerous situations.

Hadia is a twenty-four-year-old agent at the Ministry who specifically requested to work with Fatma. Holding a degree in comparative alchemy, she brings academic expertise to their fieldwork after spending two years teaching in America. She wears a hijab and approaches her duties with a steady religious faith.

Abigail is the English daughter of Lord Alistair Worthington, living at his estate in Giza. She presents herself as an outsider in Cairo, speaking poorly constructed Arabic and remaining isolated from her father's secret society. She relies on the authorities to uncover the truth behind the fiery attack on her father's brotherhood.

Alexander is Lord Worthington's son, serving as a British military captain in India. He views his father's interest in magic and ancient history as superstitious nonsense. He expresses a desire to sell the estate and abandon Egypt as soon as the legal affairs conclude.

Lord Worthington is a wealthy English aristocrat who brokered a major peace treaty between Britain and Egypt. He uses his vast fortune to fund a secret society obsessed with alchemy and mystical relics. His murder initiates the primary investigation.

Ahmad is the high priest of the Cult of Sobek. He believes he is in direct communion with the crocodile god, and his physical features increasingly resemble a reptile. He actively aids the Ministry's investigation to protect his followers.

Aasim is a police inspector who frequently coordinates with the Ministry on unusual cases. He relies on conventional law enforcement tactics and prefers straightforward answers, often expressing frustration with magical complications.

Amir is the director of the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities. He handles the administrative and political pressures of running the agency, including the push for more equitable hiring practices.

Zagros is the Ministry's librarian, a djinn who curates an extensive collection of rare books and historical texts. He projects a highly dignified attitude to counter negative stereotypes about his kind.

Siwa is an illusion djinn who operates as a merchant of rare artifacts in the artisan district. He struggles with a severe gambling addiction, utilizing magical facades to project wealth and hide his difficult living conditions.

Rami is a dedicated bookseller with an unparalleled knowledge of One Thousand and One Nights. He spends his time researching obscure magical lore and discovering gaps in worldwide enchantments.

Archibald is an Englishman who assists Lord Worthington in acquiring magical artifacts. He resents the modernized, thriving state of Egypt compared to the decline of the British Empire.

Nabila is the widow of a steel industrialist. She wields significant financial and social power, using her influence to suppress negative press regarding the English elite in Cairo.

Layla is the leader of the Forty Leopards, an all-female gang operating in Cairo's poorer districts. She organizes thefts strictly to provide food and resources for local orphans and disadvantaged children.

The Marid Djinn is an ancient, giant magical being who willingly sealed himself away to escape humanity. When awakened, he interprets the rules of wish-granting with a strictly literal and often fatal logic.

Gamal is a seventeen-year-old street-smart youth who discovers a sealed magical artifact in the Nile. He attempts to leverage the find for cash but panics when pressured by authorities.

Benny is a jazz musician who moved to Cairo to escape the Jim Crow laws of New Orleans. He provides a grounded, empathetic perspective on keeping secrets and surviving in an unequal society.