Hakim Atawari, an Indian prince educated at England's Eton College, shares a close yet contrasting friendship with William Jones. Hakim is outgoing, straightforward, and impatient, especially regarding William's reserved nature and romantic hesitations. He possesses black hair swept to the left, brown eyes, and wears a distinctive necklace. Hakim travels extravagantly with a full retinue of servants and decorated elephants, accompanied by a quartet of near-identical female attendants from India who perform dances and attend to him.

Captivated by Emma, a housemaid employed by William's former governess, Hakim mirrors William's initial attraction. He extends his stay in England primarily to observe William and Emma's developing relationship. Though he initially flirts with Emma, he stops upon recognizing her feelings for William. Hakim actively encourages their romance, urging William to overcome class barriers and pursue Emma, while respecting her autonomy when she later departs after the governess's death.

Serving as William's narrative foil, Hakim's social confidence and direct approach to romance highlight William's reserve. He dismisses class barriers more readily than William, who struggles internally. When William becomes engaged to Eleanor Campbell under family pressure, Hakim perceives it as surrender to societal expectations. This development removes Hakim's reason for remaining in England, prompting his disappointed return to India.

Hakim demonstrates loyalty during Emma's abduction, providing practical help to locate her despite their differing approaches. An unresolved subplot involves Eleanor Campbell's sister, Monica, who confronts William and departs for India with Hakim, their relationship undefined. Originally conceived as William's rival for Emma, Hakim evolved into a supportive friend who challenges William's indecisiveness. As the sole prominent Asian character in Victorian London, his name translates to "wise" in Arabic.