Characters - Things Fall Apart Flashcards
What does Nwoye’s redressal of traditional masculinity serve to expose about Okonkwo?
Okonkwo believes in traditional gender roles, and it pains him that his son Nwoye is not as aggressive as he is
Who is Okonkwo?
The novel’s main character and an influential clan leader, Okonkwo fears becoming an unsuccessful, weak man like his father, Unoka. As a result, Okonkwo is hardworking and aggressive, traits that bring him fame and wealth at the beginning of the novel. This same fear also causes Okonkwo to be impatient and brash, however, leading to his eventual downfall when he can’t adjust to the changes occurring in the clan.
Who is Unoka?
Unoka is Okonkwo’s father. Though a talented
musician in life, he was also lazy and irresponsible, accumulating many debts. Unoka dies a shameful death, still in
debt and without title. His death haunts Okonkwo, who vows to hate everything that his father loved, including gentleness and idleness.
Who is Nwoye?
Nwoye is Okonkwo’s eldest son. Nwoye resembles his grandfather Unoka, in that he’s drawn to gentleness and music, even though he recognizes that his father disapproves.
This tension between Okonkwo and Nwoye leads to an eventual split when Nwoye becomes one of the clan members
who leave the clan to join the Christians.
Who is Ikemefuna?
Ikemefuna is the ill-fated boy thatMbaino sacrifices to Umuofia in order to prevent war. Ikemefuna is unaware that his father had a hand in killing one of the daughters of Umuofia and doesn’t understand why he’s taken away from his mother and sister. He settles into Okonkwo’s household for three years and comes to consider Okonkwo his true father. Nwoye looks up to Ikemefuna, and the two become inseparable. At the end of three years, the clan decides that the boy must be killed, and Okonkwo deals the killing blow.
Who is Uchendu?
Uchendu is the younger brother of Okonkwo’s mother. Uchendu attempts to reassure Okonkwo after he arrives with his family in Mbanta, advising him to be grateful for the comfort his motherland offers.
Who is Enoch?
Enoch is a fanatical convert to the Christian church in Umuofia. While Mr. Brown disapproves of Enoch’s blatant
disrespect for Igbo traditions, Reverend Smith encourages Enoch’s provocative behavior.
Who is Chielo?
Chielo is a widow who also serves as a priestess in Umuofia. She is dedicated to the Oracle of the goddess Agbala. Chielo is friends with Ekwefi and cares for Ezinma, whom she
calls “my daughter.”
Who is Nwakibie?
Nwakibie, a wealthy clansman, lends Okonkwo
800 seed-yams when Okonkwo is still young, helping him build the beginnings of his personal wealth and status. However, the
year that Nwakibie lends Okonkwo the seed-yams turns out to be the worst year for harvest in living memory.
Who is Ogbuefi Ezeudo?
Ezeudo is the oldest man in the village and a
great orator. He warns Okonkwo not to take part in the killing of Ikemefuna, but Okonkwo pays no heed. Ezeudo passes away
shortly afterwards, and Okonkwo accidentally kills one of Ezeudo’s sons when his gun splinters at Ezeudo’s burial. Okonkwo and his family are exiled for seven years.
Who is Obierika?
Obierika is Okonkwo’s close friend. He questions clan tradition at times, choosing not to take part in the killing of
Ikemefuna, for example, and wondering why Okonkwo’s accidental crime should merit exile for seven years. He helps Okonkwo by selling his yams and visiting him in exile.
Who is Ekwefi?
Ekwefi is Okonkwo’s second wife and the mother of Ezinma. Once the village beauty, Ekwefi ran away from her first husband to live with Okonkwo. Ezinma is her only surviving
child, and the two share a close relationship. Having lost her first nine children to death in infancy, Ekwefi fears that she will lose Ezinma too.
Who is Ezinma?
Ezinma is Okonkwo’s eldest daughter and Ekwefi’s only child to survive past infancy. Ezinma resembles her mother who was once the village beauty. She understands her father
well, and he in turn wishes that she had been born a son. Ezinma also shares a close relationship with her mother, who considers Ezinma to be a companion as well as a daughter.
Who is Mr. Brown?
Mr. Brown, the first white missionary to travel to Umuofia, institutes a policy of respect and compromise between the church and the clansmen. He engages in long religious discussions with Akunna in order to understand the Igbo traditions, and he builds a school and a hospital in Umuofia. Unlike Reverend Smith who arrives later, Mr. Brown avoids resorting to violence and harsh methods of enforcing church beliefs, attempting to use his understanding of the Igbo faith to convert clansmen.
Who is Reverend James Smith?
Reverend Smith replaces Mr. Brown
after the latter departs for health reasons.
Unlike Mr. Brown, Reverend Smith is impatient and strict, showing no respect for indigenous customs or culture. He criticizes the way Mr.
Brown interacted with the Umuofia people before his arrival, and he encouraged extreme tactics to provoke change in the clan
