From Coelho's The Alchemist, in what ways is the alchemist the most important character? He helps the boy through his adventure, but are there any...

The alchemist
can be considered the most important character in Coelho's novel not only because his name is in
the title, or because he shows Santiago how to achieve his Personal Legend and cross the desert
without being killed. The alchemist is the most important character because of what he
represents. He is the example of one who has already achieved his Personal Legend. He also
represents the possibility for the boy, as well as the reader, to fulfill the measure of his
creation. The measure of one's creation can not be fulfilled unless a transformation happens,
though. For example, Santiago's transformation takes him from being a simple, inexperienced
shepherd to a spiritually mature and transformed being. The boy could not have achieved this
without paying attention to what he learns about alchemy. Plus, the alchemist knows what the boy
must suffer and endure in order to transform...