The central character of Things Fall Apart. A young leader of the African Igbo community of Umuofia. He is known as a fierce warrior as well as a successful farmer. He is determined to overcome the stigma left by his father's laziness and w
Okonkwo
Okonkwo's father, known for his weakness and lack of responsibility.
Unoka
Okonkwo's oldest son, age twelve at the book's beginning. He is innately a sensitive young man.
Nwoye
A boy of fourteen who is given to Umuofia by a neighboring village to avoid war. He is a clever, resourceful young man.
Ikemefuna
Okonkwo's second wife; the mother of Ezinma, her only living child.
Ekwefi
Daughter of Ekwefi and Okonkwo; Ekwefi's only surviving child.
Ezinma
Okonkwo's third wife; the mother of several of Okonkwo's children.
Ojiubo
Okonkwo's best friend, who often uses critical thinking and represents the voice of reason.
Obierika
A village widow who is also the priestess of Agbala.
Chielo
The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves, who influences all aspects of Umuofian life.
Agbala / Ani the Earth Goddess
Leaders of the clan who are considered the ancestral spirits, who wear masks during certain rituals and speak on behalf of the spirits; the term can be either singular or plural.
egwugwu
The culture of people who live in southeastern Nigeria; known for their art and their skills as traders. Today, the word is spelled Igbo
Igbo
What is the reversal of fortune in Things Fall Apart
When Okonkwo's gun went off at Ezeudu's funeral.
Where did we see Ezeudu previously in the novel?
He told Okonkwo not to have a hand in Ikemefuna's death
