Azar Nafisi

Professor of Literature, University of Tehran. First-person narrator. Nafisi grew up in Tehran and was then sent to Europe and America to continue her education. During her college years, Nafisi grew homesick for Iran. But it was the Tehran of her youth that she longed for. That Tehran was gone forever. She returns to an Iran already in the initial stages of totalitarian theocracy. She immerses herself in her work believing that the revolution will somehow right itself. She ultimately leaves Iran.

Nafisi's students

These are the students selected to participate in a clandestine weekly study group at Nafisi's home. They have demonstrated an intense commitment to the study of literature to earn their place in the group.

The Magician

Professor of Film Studies who resigns when the curriculum is changed to teach more "revolutionary" works. The magician serves as wise confidant to Nafisi. Nafisi meets with...