Egyptian Pharaoh's Ball

The beautiful daughter of an Egyptian diplomat and a British socialite, Cleo uses her mixed heritage to navigate both worlds with grace and cunning. Educated at the finest European universities, she's returned to Egypt with ambitious plans to reclaim artifacts from foreign museums and collectors. Her charm masks a fierce intelligence and determination to see Egypt's treasures returned to their homeland. She's particularly interested in the Scarab of Anubis, claiming it belongs in an Egyptian museum rather than a private collection.

A British aristocrat and amateur archaeologist who's made his fortune excavating ancient sites across Egypt. Despite his charm and scholarly reputation, rumors persist that he's more treasure hunter than academic. His recent discovery of Pharaoh Amenhotep's tomb has catapulted him to international fame, though some question his methods and motives. Graves has a keen eye for valuable artifacts and an even keener sense for profitable opportunities. Behind his scholarly facade lies a man who will stop at nothing to maintain his reputation and wealth.

A brilliant but eccentric Egyptologist from Oxford University whose unconventional theories about ancient Egyptian spirituality have made him an outsider in academic circles. Despite ridicule from peers, his uncanny ability to translate obscure hieroglyphs has proven invaluable to several expeditions. Recently, he's become obsessed with the Scarab of Anubis, convinced it holds the key to communicating with the ancient Egyptian afterlife. His disheveled appearance and tendency to mutter to himself mask a mind that sees connections others miss.

A respected Egyptian archaeologist who has fought for recognition in a field dominated by European men. Despite her impressive credentials and unparalleled knowledge of the Valley of the Kings, she's frequently overlooked and underestimated. Nefertari has dedicated her career to preserving Egyptian heritage and ensuring archaeological work benefits local communities. She harbors deep resentment toward foreign archaeologists who exploit her country's treasures and history. Her family has served as tomb guardians for generations, passing down secret knowledge about ancient sites.

An ambitious young American photographer and journalist covering archaeological discoveries for National Geographic. Carter has a talent for capturing the perfect shot and an even better talent for being in the right place at the right time. His charming exterior hides a ruthless ambition – he's determined to make his name with an explosive story, no matter who gets hurt in the process. Recently, he's been investigating rumors of artifact smuggling among prominent archaeologists. His camera has captured more than just ancient treasures; it holds secrets that could ruin reputations.

A trailblazing female archaeologist who's had to fight for every opportunity in her field. Brilliant and methodical, Penny has developed revolutionary techniques for preserving ancient papyri. Though officially attending as a representative of the Pennsylvania Museum, she's conducting her own investigation into the authenticity of Lord Graves' discoveries. Behind her scholarly demeanor lies a woman who's learned to play the game of academic politics to survive. She keeps detailed journals of everything she observes, including the personal indiscretions of her colleagues.

An immensely wealthy industrialist who has recently developed an interest in collecting Egyptian antiquities. The Baron views archaeology purely through the lens of investment and status, caring little for historical significance or preservation. His vast fortune has opened doors throughout Egypt, and he's not above using bribes to acquire what he desires. Despite his crude manners, his financial backing has become essential to many expeditions. He's particularly interested in acquiring the Scarab of Anubis, having already offered Lord Graves an astronomical sum.

A young, brilliant archaeologist specializing in ancient Egyptian jewelry and ceremonial objects. Despite her youth, she's already made several significant discoveries that have challenged established theories. Amber's work focuses on the symbolism and practical uses of artifacts rather than their monetary value. Publicly, she's an outspoken critic of private collectors, but financial pressures have forced her into compromising positions. She's been studying the legends surrounding the Scarab of Anubis for years and believes its historical significance has been misunderstood.

A charismatic Egyptian guide and businessman who has built a small empire catering to wealthy tourists and archaeological expeditions. Though lacking formal education, Tut possesses encyclopedic knowledge of Egypt's ancient sites and modern politics. His network of contacts extends from government officials to tomb robbers, making him both valuable and dangerous. Behind his accommodating facade lies a shrewd operator with strong nationalist sympathies who believes Egyptians should control their own heritage. He's been watching Lord Graves' activities with growing concern and has his own interest in the Scarab of Anubis.

A quiet, observant young Egyptian who serves as assistant and translator to various archaeological expeditions. Though he presents himself as simple and unassuming, Sandy is actually highly educated, with degrees from Cairo and the Sorbonne. He uses his perceived invisibility to gather information about the foreigners who come to excavate his country's treasures. Sandy has been working undercover for a nationalist group dedicated to preventing artifacts from leaving Egypt. His gentle demeanor conceals a passionate belief in Egyptian self-determination and the preservation of cultural heritage.

A mysterious and alluring performer who combines traditional Egyptian dance with modern cabaret styles. Invited to entertain at the gala, Sahara moves effortlessly among the guests, her presence both captivating and unsettling. Behind her artistic persona lies a keen intelligence and complex past. Raised in Alexandria's cosmopolitan society, she speaks multiple languages and understands the power dynamics between Egyptians and Europeans intimately. Sahara has connections throughout Egyptian society, from street vendors to government ministers, and collects secrets as others collect souvenirs. She has her own interest in the evening's events that goes beyond mere entertainment.

A rough-around-the-edges American expatriate who operates a transport business along the Nile. Jim's boats and vehicles have carried countless archaeological expeditions and their discoveries, giving him unique insights into who's found what and where it's going. A veteran of the Great War, he came to Egypt seeking escape from his memories and found a place where the ancient and modern worlds collide in fascinating ways. Though he presents himself as a simple businessman, Jim has a sophisticated understanding of the archaeological black market and has occasionally acted as a middleman for private collectors. He claims to have once seen the Scarab of Anubis in action during a strange night in the Valley of the Kings.