Ali Bey is the only child of a wealthy, polite, and elite family. Until the age of twenty-one or twenty-two, he was raised in complete isolation from the outside world, receiving a flawless education under the excessive affection and protectiveness of his father. His father's death creates a deep melancholy in him, and his inexperienced heart is deceived by Mehpeyker during an outing to Çamlıca, urged by his mother. This passionate first love leads him away from logic into drink, debauchery, and a terrible downfall. He fails to see the love of the innocent Dilaşub—brought home by his mother to save him—because of Mehpeyker's slander. Blinded by jealousy and rage, he eventually causes the destruction of those he valued most. The sorrow he falls into upon seeing Dilaşub's corpse at his own feet is his final lesson in humanity before his death.
Educated in Istanbul, Ali Bey grew up in a protected bubble due to his father's wise yet detached-from-reality upbringing. While his father was alive, he would make even small goals into world-shaking issues. When he loses his father, he has no branch to hold onto and tries to fill the void within him with a dangerous woman he encounters in Çamlıca: Mehpeyker.
A pale-skinned, thin-built but exceptionally handsome young man. He has the appearance of a posh, polite Istanbul gentleman who takes care in his attire. However, his life of debauchery causes him to collapse quickly; his eyes sink, his complexion turns sallow, and he transforms into a living corpse.
Dilaşub
The loyal concubine whose value he failed to recognize, only grasping the truth upon her death.
Atıf Bey
His friend whom he consulted in tough times, though he failed to heed his advice or stop him from going down the wrong path.
Mehpeyker
The toxic obsession for whom he ruined everything.
Fatma Hanım
The mother he dearly loved but deeply disappointed, having sacrificed her for his insolence.