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The People Behind the Story

Meet the Characters

Every story is shaped by the people who live it, love through it, and carry its memories.

Mariam · Family · Friends · The Wider Cast

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The Characters

Mariam’s Family

The people closest to Mariam, connected by family, love and shared uncertainty.

Family
Yusuf, Mariam's father

Yusuf

Mariam’s Father

Loving, protective and strong. A school teacher who gives his children courage through stories.

Fatima, Mariam's mother

Fatima

Mariam’s Mother

The emotional anchor of the family, carrying her own fears while protecting her children.

Mariam, the central character

Mariam

The Protagonist

Ahmed, Mariam's younger brother

Ahmed

Mariam’s Younger Brother

Five years old, innocent and full of curiosity, with dreams of helping people.

Abu Omar, Mariam's uncle

Abu Omar

Mariam’s Uncle

A close member of Mariam’s extended family.

People of the Story

The Characters

The people of Gaza Diary give the story its emotional centre. Their relationships, dreams and experiences shape Mariam’s journey.

Main Characters

The family at the heart of the story
Mariam, the main character of Gaza Diary
Protagonist

Mariam

A twelve-year-old girl and the central voice of the story. Mariam dreams of becoming a doctor and uses her diary to preserve her memories, thoughts and hopes while her world changes around her.

Dreamer Storyteller Resilient
Yusuf, Mariam's father in Gaza Diary
Mariam’s Father

Yusuf

Mariam’s father and a school teacher who encourages her to believe in her dreams, preserve her thoughts and never lose her voice.

Father Teacher Mentor
Fatima, Mariam's mother in Gaza Diary
Mariam’s Mother

Fatima

Fatima is the emotional strength of her family. She tries to keep her children together while carrying her own fear and uncertainty.

Mother Family Strength
Ahmed, Mariam's younger brother in Gaza Diary
Mariam’s Younger Brother

Ahmed

Ahmed is Mariam’s five-year-old younger brother. His toy ambulance represents his innocent dream of growing up and helping people.

Childhood Innocence Hope

Other Characters

Supporting voices

Beyond Mariam’s family, the novel introduces people whose experiences, choices and voices become part of her journey.

Abu Omar

Abu Omar

A close member of Mariam’s extended family.

Nasreen, a school teacher in Gaza Diary

Nasreen

A dedicated teacher carrying the loss of her young daughter.

Khalid, Mariam's friend in Gaza Diary

Khalid

Mariam’s friend and a young artist who refuses to give up on his dream.

Sana, Mariam's friend and mentor

Sana

A young poet whose words give Mariam courage and hope.

Shireen, a Palestinian journalist

Shireen

A young Palestinian journalist who documents the lives of ordinary people.

Emily, an American photographer

Emily

An American photographer drawn to the stories behind Mariam’s diary.