Abdullah

Abdullah is the main character in Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones. Abdullah is the son of Abdullah, carpet merchant that operates a modest booth in the Bazaar of Zanzib. Abdullah is young and somewhat inexperienced yet is making his way in the world despite being treated badly by the relations of his father's first wife. Abdullah is reminiscent of Cinderella and can never seem to do anything to please his family.

Abdullah must constantly explain how the business operates. Instead of using profits for a dowry, he uses them to buy new inventory. This is unacceptable to the family.

Over the years, it became clear that nothing Abdullah could do would be enough satisfy his father or the rest of the family. In place of a loving family, Abdullah creates an elaborate fantasy to compensate. In the fantasy, Abdullah, who was the son of a...