In the novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, what is the author trying to tell us through characters like the Crystal Merchant and Santiago?

Each character
in Coelho'sis symbolic of a character trait or phase of life that each of us may go through in
life. Santiago at first represents Christ as a kind shepard of a flock; but throughout most of
the story, the boy represents anyone striving to achieve his/her Personal Legend. Other
characters, then, either help us fulfill our dreams, distract us from our dreams, or represent
how we could end up stuck like them. For example, the gypsy, Melchizedek and the Alchemist are
helpers and mentors for Santiago. They help him along to realize his full potential. Other
characters like the Baker and the Crystal Merchant are examples of what could happen to Santiago
(or us) if he stops looking for his treasure and settles down for something less or safe.
Melchizedek clarifies this point by saying:

"Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point
in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream,
and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time
passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to
realize their Personal Legend"(21).

Melchizedek then
gives examples of people like the Baker who found excuses to avoid achieving their Personal
Legend and ended up stuck in a less than great circumstance. The Crystal Merchant is also great
example of one who has settled for a good station in life rather than striving for a great one.
Santiago keeps that in mind when he decides not to become a merchant like his
employer.