This character starts the tale of Ahmed's life and emphasizes the importance of oral storytelling in the narrative. Even after his death, the storytelling tradition continues with other storytellers stepping in to share Ahmed's story.

A traditional patriarch deeply ashamed of not having a male heir, Ahmed's father decides to raise his eighth child as a boy. He enacts various schemes to maintain this illusion, reflecting his intense adherence to societal norms.

Subservient and obedient, Ahmed's mother is complicit in the deceit of raising her daughter as a son. She is subjected to her husband's abuse and struggles with feelings of self-blame over her perceived shortcomings in producing male heirs.

Ahmed's epileptic cousin, Fatima, is marginalized by her family and eventually becomes Ahmed's wife. Her relationship with Ahmed serves multiple purposes in the narrative, highlighting familial dynamics and societal views on gender and marriage.

A transgressive figure in the story, Um Abbas is the mother of Abbas, the circus showman, and plays a pivotal role in Ahmed's transformation into Lalla Zahra. She provides Ahmed with protection and a new beginning within the circus environment.

A brutish circus showman deeply connected with his mother, Abbas is involved in Ahmed's life as Lalla Zahra. His interactions with Ahmed/Lalla Zahra include elements of showmanship and brutality.

The first alternate storyteller, Salem offers his version of Ahmed's ending, integrating themes of societal violence and personal struggle. He emphasizes racial and class distinctions within Moroccan society through his background and narrative approach.

Amar is a retired schoolteacher and the story's second alternate storyteller, providing a different take on Ahmed's fate. He uses Ahmed's journal to underpin his narrative but remains unreliable due to inconsistencies and conjectures.

The third alternate storyteller, Fatuma is a strong woman who reflects her own life experiences while integrating them with Ahmed's story. Her narrative touches on women's roles and political issues, advocating for women's voices in society.

An enigmatic figure inspired by Borges, the troubadour engages with the storytellers to weave Ahmed's tale with poetic language and unresolved mysteries. His presence adds layers of complexity and questions the limits of narrative and identity.