Because Fatma el-Sha’arawi is a recurring character from Clark’s earlier installments and also a detective, she exhibits little character growth throughout the story. Rather, her role in driving the plot forward takes priority. Like many fictional detectives, she is work-driven, pursuing her investigation relentlessly. Though skilled with a sword, she disapproves of violence and uses it only as a last resort.

Described as a woman with a boyish face who appreciates Western men’s suits, Fatma indicates Clark’s interest in subverting standard gender roles in literature. Fatma’s sexuality is also present in the story without being required for it. Clark has received praise for this decision, as it allows for an LGBTQ icon without making the character’s sexuality a defining part of her character or the plot, as is common for other characters belonging to minority groups. Fatma is fully developed on the page, executing the same functions for plots that straight characters have traditionally performed.

Opposite the fully fleshed-out female protagonist is another woman who is competent and ambitious enough to be a worthy villain. Abigail Worthington takes full advantage of the tendency for people to underestimate women, manipulating that prejudice to divert suspicion away from herself.