Santiago, the protagonist of Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist, is a young shepherd who is 16 years old at the beginning of his journey. His age is significant as it represents the stage of life where one is often filled with dreams and aspirations, yet also faces the challenge of discovering one’s true purpose.
Santiago’s youth is portrayed as a time of innocence and exploration. Throughout the book, his age serves to highlight his growth and transformation as he follows his personal legend, learns important life lessons, and gains wisdom from his adventures. By the end of the story, Santiago’s experiences reflect not just his physical age but also a deeper intellectual and spiritual maturity that transcends his initial years.