The unnamed narrator is an everyday citizen of Cairo afflicted by a strange illness characterized by severe anxiety and a restless inability to sleep. Desperate for a cure after exhausting modern medical options, he sets out to find a holy man his father once knew. His perspective reflects a profound alienation from his busy urban surroundings. He wanders from shop to shop seeking answers from anyone who might remember the past.

Zaabalawi is an enigmatic local figure and rumored healer whose physical presence seems to have faded from modern Cairo. Citizens hold contrasting views of him, viewing him alternately as a divine muse for artists or a forgotten charlatan. He possesses no material wealth and apparently wanders the city, spending time with musicians or bar patrons. His elusive nature makes him nearly impossible to track down through conventional means.

Sheikh Qamar is a successful lawyer working in the religious courts. He surrounds himself with material comforts and projects an air of deep satisfaction with his worldly possessions. His initially warm reception turns immediately cold upon learning his visitor brings no paying business.

Sheikh Gad is a famous composer who maintains a home furnished tastefully in an older style. Unlike the busy tradesmen in the city, he offers warmth and liberal hospitality without demanding a reason for the visit. He views chance meetings as blessings and remains closely connected to his artistic practice.

Hagg Wanas is an aging but handsome man who spends his time drinking heavily at a local bar. He acts as a strict gatekeeper for information about his elusive friend, stubbornly refusing to speak to anyone sober. He requires his companions to abandon their inhibitions and join him in his intoxication before he will share any secrets.

The narrator's father was a respectable man who previously experienced a severe illness. He serves as the primary reason for his son's belief in the holy man's healing powers, having successfully received a cure years ago. He originally met his healer in a lawyer's office.

Hassanein is a dedicated calligrapher working in a spartan environment stripped of modern opulence. He practices his craft with deep piety and careful reverence. He views his past association with the holy man as the source of his greatest artistic inspiration.

The district magistrate is a local official with gold-plated teeth who offers a bureaucratic approach to locating missing persons. He advises proceeding scientifically rather than relying on rumors, drawing a detailed map of the area to assist the search.

The book vendor sells old volumes on theology and mysticism out of a building that has been repurposed as a dump. He holds fond childhood memories of the local holy man but treats spirituality largely as a commercial commodity.