Persian Letters | Characters & Character Analysis

Persian Letters Characters

Usbekappears in Various Letters

Usbek is the central character in The Persian Letters. He is a Muslim from Ispahan, Persia. Usbek has at least five wives who live in concealment at a seraglio. Usbek travels out of Persia into the European countries under the guise of seeking knowledge. In reality, Usbek is exiled from Persia because he discovers some sort of failing in the government of Persia. When he alerts others to this failing, however, he finds he has made many enemies. Usbek leaves his home country because he is in fear of losing his life. Only his friend Rustan knows the real reason that Usbek left Persia.

Usbek has difficulty enjoying his trip to Europe because he is concerned about the welfare of his wives. Usbek notes several times in his writing that he is experiencing depression and no longer desires to stay in exile out of his home country. Usbek is even...
(read more)