MAIN CHARACTERS
Noura Marquette: a brilliant, conflict-averse Egyptologist
Estelle Marquette: Noura’s fiery, impulsive younger sister
Theodore “Theo” Fabre: a charming, roguish conservator with hidden depths and a protective streak toward Noura
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS—AMERICAN TEAM
Dr. Christine Lilyquist: Noura’s mentor—sharp, respected, and focused on the Tutankhamun exhibition. She was a real person. Go read about her. She’s fascinating.
Frank Caddel: a talented but cantankerous conservator whose bluntness hides deeper loyalty
John: a seasoned crate-builder who steadies the team with quiet competence
Abel: John’s partner—skilled, good-humored, and slightly chaotic
Thomas Hoving: the ambitious Metropolitan of Art director. Also a real person
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS—EGYPTIAN STAFF & LOCALS
Mostafa: Egyptian curator—measured, exacting, and protective of Egypt’s heritage
Ghadfa: the Egyptian Museum’s night watchman
Ahmed: hotel staff
ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS
Lizzy & Elizabeth: exuberant British visitors who befriend Noura and see past her self-effacement
Saira: the Marquette family nanny in Israel
Mehedi: Saira’s younger brother
Maman: a fragile yet fierce mother whose choices shaped both daughters
Grandmère: a commanding matriarch whose expectations echo through Noura’s inner life
Harry: a beloved but complicated brother whose death haunts both sisters
EGYPTIAN PANTHEON REFERENCES
Aset (the Westernized version of her name is Isis): goddess of resurrection and protection
Horus: falcon-headed god of order, symbolically countering chaos
Set: god of chaos, often the opposing force to Horus
Anubis: judge of the afterlife
Selket (also Serket): scorpion goddess of protection and healing
Ma’at: goddess who embodies balance and loans Anubis her feather to weigh souls. Also the concept of ma’at
Don’t miss the other books in the series!