Who are the characters in Things Fall Apart?

s
is a novel set in the south-eastern part of Nigeria, from pre-colonial
times to the arrival of the Europeans in the late nineteenth century. It was published in
1958.

is the mainof the novel. He is the clan
leader of Umuofia, with three wives and ten children. Apart from his diligence, his skill in war
and wrestling has earned him wealth and status. He is characterized as rash and overtly
masculine, a trait he had cultivated in order to distance himself from his father,
, who is peace-loving and effeminate.

Nyowe is Okonkwos eldest son. Nyowe does not subscribe to
the same rigid standard of masculinity his father does, and so Okonkwo frequently beats him.
Ultimately, Nyowe converts to Christianity out of skepticism for the laws and rules of his
tribe.

Enzima is Okonkwos favorite daughter. She
is the only child of , Okonkwos second wife. Like her father, Enzima is brave, strong-willed,
and stubborn. This wins her the affection of Okonkwo, who often wishes that Enzima had been born
a boy rather than a girl.

Ikemfuna is a boy
given to Okonkwos family by the Mbaino tribe, the neighboring clan. He enjoys a close
relationship with Okonkwos children, especially with Nyowe. His death, which Okonkwo did nothing
to prevent, resulted in a rift between him and Nyowe.

Mr.
Brown is a white missionary. He came to Umuofia to convert the tribe to
Christianity. He is amiable and understanding and so earns the clans trust.
Reverend Smith replaces Mr. Brown after his untimely death. Unlike
Mr. Brown, he is strict, uncompromising, and shows no respect for the clans
beliefs.