Galip

Galip is 33 years old, living and working as a lawyer in Istanbul. He is the protagonist of the novel, and the third-person limited narrator. He grew up in the Heart-of-the-City Apartments, where his extended family lived on the floors above and below. His family includes: his parents; his aunt, Halé; his uncle, Melih; his uncle's wife, Suzan; his cousin, Jelal; his cousin, Rüya; his cousin, Vasif; and his grandparents.

Galip has been married to his cousin, Rüya, for 3 years. He has not been married before and they are unable to have children. They live in a small apartment in the same neighborhood as his family, Nişantaşi, where he has lived for his whole life. Galip inherited his law practice from his Uncle Melih.

Galip struggles with his identity and what he desires in life. He has loved Rüya for all of his life...