A young and idealistic poet, graduate of the Mülkiye Mektebi (School of Political Science).
Following his father's death, he takes on the full responsibility of the household, and the glamorous literary life he had dreamed of his entire life suddenly turns into a harsh nightmare. While he forms bright literary plans—the symbols of his 'blue' (Mai) dreams—and defends innovative poetry within the 'Gencîne-i Edeb' circle, he faces heavy burdens such as poverty, the necessity of translating, and his sister's troubled marriage, which constitute the 'black' side of life. Spending his nights sleepless, translating cheap pulp novels, he only seeks refuge in his friend Hüseyin Nazmi's elegant Erenköy mansion when he is in dire straits. The purest emotion in his life is his secret, lyrical, yet—due to his poverty—unnamable great love for Hüseyin Nazmi's sister, Lamia. He struggles constantly amidst continuous downfalls and brief moments of hope.
Raci
His dark rival, whom he finds unhinged, and whom he inwardly detests but pities.
Lamia
His unreachable love, before whom he dares not even move his hands.
Sabiha Hanım
His mother, whom he feels responsible for protecting, and to whom he sometimes cannot explain his literary troubles.
Hüseyin Nazmi
His only literary soulmate with whom he can discuss his life philosophy and who understands him.