The lead character of the story, Saeed, is an intelligent, well-educated young man who is an introvert with antisocial behaviour due to his stutter, which the villagers make fun of and thus do not take him seriously. Saeed uses his wide knowledge and exceptional talent in writing sermons for the Imam, who is an outstanding presenter, but poor at preparing and linking ideas.
The richest and most influential man in the village, Sayed Khattab, is an illiterate who makes his fortune through shady deals and selling body parts. He convinces the poorer villagers in need to sell their body parts to rich buyers who need them.