In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist,what might the following characters symbolize: the gypsy woman, Melchizedek, the crystal merchant, the alchemist, and...

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Alchemistis full of symbolism and the characters are just one part of it. Coelho merges
Christian and Islamicand symbolism to move his story and theme forward; hence, the main
character, Santiago, represents every man (or woman) born on the earth. Each of us can be like
Santiago and search for our personal legend. Opposite of Santiago might be the crystal merchant
who represents most everyone else in life; those who are older, have found their niche in life,
and feel comfortable in what they are doing to the point that they don't want to seek out their
personal legend. Melchizedek represents the spiritual guide, inspiration, or motivating force
that sets Santiago on his journey. Melchizedek is a biblical name that refers to a man who even
Abraham of the old testament paid his tithing to, so he is a great and powerful man and an image
of authority and credibility over the spiritual. (The fact that he has the Urim and Thummim also
help to solidify his credibility because those stones are also mentioned throughout history as
being spiritual tools.) The gypsy woman represents those who take truth and twist it for
personal gain, like soothsayers; andis the master teacher and Christ-like figure who teaches
Santiago what he needs to know to achieve his goals.