King of the Wind characters

Appears from the start

A mute stable boy in the Sultan of Morocco's service. Agba understands horses with unusual patience and is assigned to a newborn bay colt whose future seems marked by both good and bad omens. Unable to defend himself with speech, he expresses loyalty through his care of the horse.

Appears from the start

A swift bay Arabian colt born in the Sultan of Morocco's stables and entrusted to Agba. A white mark on one hind heel is read as a sign of speed, while a whorl on his chest is treated as a warning of misfortune. Agba names him for the sun and believes in his quality from the start.

First appears in chapter 3

The master of Morocco whose extensive royal stables produce Sham. His decisions determine which horses and stable boys will be sent abroad as a formal gift to the French king.

First appears in chapter 2

The Sultan's chief groom, responsible for discipline and order in the royal stables. He regards the signs attached to Sham's birth seriously and holds authority over both the colt's fate and Agba's service.

First appears in chapter 10

The ruler for whom the Sultan's selected stallions are intended as a diplomatic gift. When the long voyage leaves the horses in poor condition, their appearance at the French court fails to display the quality Agba knows Sham possesses.

First appears in chapter 14

A small cat who becomes Sham's stable companion during the horse's years of hardship. Grimalkin's presence calms the stallion and gives Agba another loyal creature to protect.

First appears in chapter 18

An English horseman and breeder who recognizes that the neglected Arabian has qualities his rough condition has concealed. His interest offers Sham and Agba a path away from menial labor and toward English racing stock.

First appears in chapter 20

An English nobleman with a racing stable and breeding mares. Sham eventually comes into his possession, though the imported Arabian must still prove his value beside the larger, established horses of the stud.

First appears in chapter 20

The Earl of Godolphin's favored stallion, a large and successful horse intended as the principal sire at the stud. Sham is initially given only a subordinate role in relation to him.

First appears in chapter 21

A prized mare at the Godolphin stud whose refusal of Hobgoblin creates an unexpected opportunity for Sham. Her choice becomes decisive in whether the Arabian will ever be valued as a sire.

First appears in chapter 24

The first notable racing son of Sham and Roxana. His speed gives English horsemen visible proof that the disregarded Arabian can pass exceptional ability to his offspring.