The Boy (Santiago)
Santiago is a shepherd from Andalusian town. He is the main protagonist. He is determined, headstrong, and curious about life and his destiny. In the story Santiago meets many faces and characters tat either help or just make hurdles for him on his journey. His greatest spiritual advancement, however, comes after he meets the alchemist, who helps him to understand himself and to read the omens in his environment. Santiago ultimately learns to communicate with the wind and the sun and the Hand That Wrote All, a force evidently synonymous with God or Allah.
The Alchemist
He is supposedly over 200 years old. He resides in Al-Fayuom. He is capable of turning metal into gold and the Elixir of Life. He resides in Al-Fayuom. He is a great teacher to Santiago, and teaches him in forms of riddles. Santiago, with the alchemist’s guidance, learns to read and communicate with the world around him, ultimately leading him to the treasure he seeks and to his own supernatural abilities. In other words, Santiago eventually undergoes his own transformation. The alchemist’s hands-off method of teaching, however, suggests that no direct form of instruction can allow someone to connect with the Soul of the World. Instead, Santiago, and in fact any student, must teach and transform himself by listening to his own heart and to his environment.
Crystal Merchant
He served as a great friend to Santiago. He managed a crystal shop on top of a hill in Tangier. The crystal merchant is the most fully fleshed-out irredeemable character in the book. The crystal merchant takes no pride in his conservative approach to life, but he feels rooted in his ways.
Melchizedek
He claims to be the King of Salem. He appears to Santiago as a old man. He teaches Santiago about the Soul of the World and Beginners Luck. He also gives Santiago two magical rocks Urim and Thummim that represent "yes" and "no" respectfully. He is the first one in the story to display magical powers, which help him convince Santiago to follow his dreams.
The Englishman
The Englishman is an ambitious aspiring alchemist. He is adventurous enough to join a caravan in search of the alchemist, but is rather anti-social. He prefers to read his large collection of books rather than interact with others or take interest in his surroundings. Because the Englishman and Santiago share a commitment to pursuing their Personal Legends, they quickly become friends. The Englishman, however, also challenges Santiago with his intellectual, knowledge-focused approach to life. He teaches Santiago the value of book learning and introduces him to important concepts in alchemy, such as the Master Work. But he must also learn from Santiago the importance of experience and friendship.
Fatima
Only female character in the book. She is defined by her beauty and willingness to wait for Santiago. She lives in Al-Fayuom oasis, where her primary duty is to gather water from the local well, and she says as a woman of the desert she realizes that men must leave the women they love for long periods.