Santiago’s Character

In the beginning of The Alchemist, a fictional masterpiece by Paulo Coelho, Santiago is introduced. As an eighteen year old shepherd, much of Santiago’s character is given through indirect characterization. With a gift for leadership, Santiago guides his sheep for two years, and they come to completely rely on him. “They trust me, and they’ve forgotten how to rely on their own instincts, because I lead them to nourishment.” (Coelho 7) Santiago takes pride in his ability to lead his sheep successfully throughout the countryside.
Like many eighteen year old’s, he also demonstrates a sarcastic personality, as shown in the text as he is talking to the girl with the raven hair. ‘“How did you learn to read?’ The girl asked at one point. ‘Like everybody learns,” he responded ‘In school.”’(Coelho 6)
During his interaction with the Merchant’s daughter, he pays attention to her comely appearance, and how it differs greatly to his own scruffy beard and shaggy hair. Even a year after these happenings, he remembers and wishes to change his appearance, giving himself an insecurity.(Coelho 11) Santiago has a memorable encounter with the girl, who is taken aback when there is a shepherd who knows how to read.
And while Santiago is presented as independent, it almost appears that he is lonely, and longing for someone to talk to and be with. “He had always believed that the sheep were able to understand what he said. So there were times when he would read them parts of his books that made an impression upon him, or or when he would tell them of the loneliness or the happiness of a shepherd in the field.” (Coelho 4)
Santiago demonstrates his independence and leadership, while remaining humane with his sarcasm, and silent wish for a companion who is characterized with raven hair, and a mild surprise at the fact that a shepherd can read.