Santiago is a young Spanish shepherd who chose a life of travel over his family's wish for him to become a priest. He is naturally curious and constantly reads new books. Driven by a recurring dream of buried treasure near the Egyptian pyramids, he actively seeks to understand the broader world and the nature of omens.

The Alchemist is a 200-year-old master of ancient wisdom residing in the Al-Fayoum oasis. He lives apart from the main community and interacts mostly with desert wildlife and tribal leaders. He possesses legendary items like the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life. He chooses to use his abilities primarily to test and teach others rather than amass personal wealth.

Fatima is a young woman living in the Al-Fayoum oasis. She spends her days carrying out community tasks. She understands the cultural expectation that desert men must travel and accepts the harsh realities of her environment. She actively encourages Santiago to continue his journey rather than stay behind for her.

Melchizedek is an elderly man who introduces himself as the King of Salem. He wears a heavy gold breastplate covered in precious stones hidden beneath an ordinary cloak. He appears to people at exact moments when they are on the verge of giving up their deepest desires.

The Crystal Merchant runs a struggling shop at the top of a hill in Tangiers. He is a devout man who has spent his life working in the same location while holding onto a lifelong dream of making a pilgrimage to Mecca. He is cautious and heavily bound by his daily routine.

The Englishman is a wealthy and highly educated traveler devoted to studying alchemy. He carries a large collection of heavy books and has spent much of his inheritance searching for the Philosopher's Stone. He prefers the company of his texts over observing the physical world.

The Roma Woman is a local mystic in Tarifa who reads palms and interprets dreams. She operates pragmatically and asks for a future percentage of treasure rather than an immediate fee when providing her services to poor clients.

The Merchant's Daughter lives in an Andalusian village and is characterized by her dark eyes. She represents Santiago's initial desire for a settled life before his ambitions expand toward the Egyptian pyramids.

The Camel Driver is a former farmer whose land and livelihood were destroyed by a natural disaster. This loss forced him to adapt to the life of the desert caravan. He holds a practical view of survival and understands the need to respect the desert's warnings.

The Chieftains govern the Al-Fayoum oasis. They enforce the strict neutrality of the oasis during tribal wars and command absolute authority over the local population and visitors.