Characters Flashcards
1
Q
Kambili
A
- quiet and timid 15 y/o girl
- idolizes her father; her Electra complex is often evident
- limited worldview; brought up strictly Chsitian believing everything her dogmatic father would say
2
Q
Jaja
A
- 17 y/o older brother to Kambili
- takes on a protector role, attempting to shield his family from Papa’s violence
- grows defiant in Nsukka and is able to challenge Papa thereafter
3
Q
Mama
A
- extremely submissive to Papa due to years of abuse
- has difficulty standing up to him, even after suffering multiple miscarriages
- her quietness translates into a calculated murder of Papa, which is even carried out in a passive way
4
Q
Papa
A
- wealthy, self-made factory owner
- devoutly Catholic, even though he is originally Igbo
- despite his abuse against his family, he is outwardly benevolent and revered by his community
- dogmatic, hypermasculine and extremely violent – no redemption
5
Q
Papa Nnukwu
A
- spiritual and gentle; the foil to Papa
- even his death is in stark contrast to Papa’s
6
Q
Aunty Ifeoma
A
- outspoken, liberal, and open-minded
- helps Kambili and Jaja blossom
7
Q
Amaka
A
- outspoken and vocal; a foil to Kambili
- initially hostile towards Kambili, largely out of jealousy, but following Papa Nnukwu’s death, they grow closer
8
Q
Obiora
A
- helps Jaja embrace his masculinity and take control of his life
9
Q
Father Amadi
A
- Catholic but respects his Nigerian roots, often incorporating Igbo into his prayers
- Kambili falls in love with him, but he leaves to do his missionary work in Germany
