Things Fall Apart Character List

Study Notes

Characters in "Things Fall Apart"

Okonkwo: Protagonist, a hardworking and esteemed clansman, whose tragic flaw is a fear of weakness stemming from his father's shameful legacy.
Nwoye: Okonkwo's eldest son, deemed lazy and unambitious; his relationship with his father is strained, resulting in a cycle of violence and eventual disownment after converting to Christianity.
Ezinma: Okonkwo's favorite child, Ekwefi’s only surviving daughter, shares a unique bond with her father and is admired for her intelligence, despite societal expectations of femininity.
Unoka: Okonkwo's father, an embodiment of failure in Okonkwo's eyes; he is known for his artistic inclinations and lack of material success, which Okonkwo strives to overcome.
Obierka: Okonkwo's loyal friend who supports him during exile by selling his yams and begins to question traditional values, reflecting a broader shift in the clan.
Ekwefi: Okonkwo's second wife and a former village beauty, known for her close bond with Ezinma; her fears of losing her daughter are compounded by her friendship with Chielo.
Enoch: A zealous Christian convert who disrupts traditional ceremonies, significantly straining relations between the clansmen and the missionaries.
Ogbuefi Ezeudu: The oldest and most respected man in the clan, known for delivering oracle messages, representing the authority of traditional beliefs.
Ikemefuna: A boy given to Okonkwo, who becomes a significant figure in Nwoye's life; their bond highlights the father-son dynamic and Okonkwo's internal conflict regarding affection.
Mr. Brown: The first white missionary in Umuofia, advocating for compromise and understanding, representing a more compassionate colonial approach than his successor.
Rev. James Smith: The second missionary known for his extremist views and actions that escalate tensions between the village and Christian converts, contrasting Mr. Brown's methods.
Uchendu: Okonkwo’s younger brother, who provides support upon Okonkwo's return to his motherland after exile, underscoring themes of family and tradition.
District Commissioner: A dismissive and racist English authority figure who disregards native cultures, plans to write a dehumanizing account of the tribes, symbolizing colonialist attitudes.
Chielo: A priestess of the oracle of Agballa, who shows physical strength and compassion by carrying Ezinma to cleanse her of evil spirits, illustrating spiritual beliefs in the community.
Akunna: A notable clan leader engaged in a dialogue with Mr. Brown about the intersections of traditional religion and Christianity, showcasing the cultural exchange.
Mr. Kiaga: A native who becomes a missionary, converting many clan members, reflecting the impact of colonial influence on traditional beliefs.
Okagbue Uyanwa: A reputable medicine man who assists Okonkwo with Ezinma's health issues, representing the value of traditional healing practices.
Maduka: Obierka's son, characterized as an exceptional wrestler, who embodies the qualities Okonkwo admires in masculinity.
Obiagel: Daughter of Okonkwo's first wife, indicating the role of women in familial lineage and social structure.
Ojiugo: Okonkwo's youngest wife who suffers punishment for defying the week of peace, highlighting the oppressive aspects of patriarchal society and traditional expectations.

Description

Explore key characters from Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' through this flashcard quiz. Understand the complexities of Okonkwo and his relationships, particularly with his son Nwoye. Test your knowledge and deepen your appreciation of this classic novel.