Things Fall Apart: Characters
Unoka
Okonkwo's father; a notorious dancer
His reaction and thoughts after the calamity that befell Okonkwo (his moral or legal conclusion) weighed heavily upon him.
Who is Obeirika?
How does Okonkwo’s relationship with his father influence his personality and actions?
Okonkwo fears appearing weak like his father.
Protagonist of the novel; a courageous warrior
Okonkwo
Describe the sequence of events and consequences surrounding the killing of Ezeudu’s son.
What is banished for 7 years to Okonkwo's mother's village. His compound was burned as a cleansing offering to the Earth Goddess.
Why did Okonkwo strike the blow that led to Ikemefuna’s death? Include his personal motive and cultural pressure.
What is Okonkwo strikes because he wants to appear strong and not show compassion; he fears being seen as weak and wants to follow the elders’ decree.
Ikemefuna
Boy from neighboring village chosen by his people as a sacrifice to Umuofia...
There are this many Igbo villages.
What is 9 villages?
Acts as the supreme spiritual and legal authority for the Umuofia clan.
Agbala and the oracle’s pronouncements guide punishments, sacrifices, and significant communal choices — e.g., decisions about Ikemefuna and other disputes.
What is the significance of the title Things Fall Apart in relation to the story?
The title reflects the breakdown of Igbo society and Okonkwo’s life as colonialism and internal conflicts cause everything to fall apart.
Nwoye
Okonkwo's oldest son; joins the missionaries and later changes his name.
The two customary food items used to begin fellowship in Umofia.
Alligator pepper and Kola Nut
This ceremony is where the groom’s family brings gifts and wine to the bride’s family; part of marriage negotiations and honor.
What is the uri ceremony?
How does the novel explore the theme of change versus tradition?
The novel shows tension between preserving traditions and adapting to new influences like colonialism.
Okonkwo's best and oldest friend
Obierika
Okonkwo's second wife...
Ekwefi
At this person's funeral Okonkwo accidentally kills Ezeudu’s son with a stray shot, Okonkwo is punished by....
What is At Ezeudu’s funeral