Characters 

Okonkwo: The central character of the novel. He is a proud, ambitious, and hardworking man of Umuofia. He fears weakness and failure like his father and becomes a tragic hero destroyed by change.

Unoka: Okonkwo’s father. He is a lazy but gentle musician who loves music and wine. He dies in debt and disgrace, leaving Okonkwo determined never to be like him.

Nwoye: Okonkwo’s eldest son. He is sensitive, thoughtful, and drawn to gentleness and music. He later converts to Christianity, rejecting his father’s harsh ways.

Ikemefuna: A boy from Mbaino given to Umuofia to avoid war. He lives with Okonkwo’s family, calls him “father,” and becomes close to Nwoye, but is later killed by Okonkwo.

Ekwefi: Okonkwo’s second wife and the mother of Ezinma. Once the village beauty, she left her first husband for Okonkwo and deeply loves her only surviving child.

Ezinma: Okonkwo’s favorite daughter and Ekwefi’s only surviving child. She is intelligent, strong, and understanding; her father wishes she were a son.

Obierika: Okonkwo’s best friend; thoughtful and fair-minded. He questions Igbo traditions, helps Okonkwo during exile, and represents reason and humanity.

Ezeudu: The oldest man in Umuofia and a respected elder. He warns Okonkwo not to take part in Ikemefuna’s death and dies soon after.

Uchendu: Okonkwo’s maternal uncle and the leader of Mbanta. He welcomes Okonkwo during exile and advises him to find strength in his mother’s land.

Mr. Brown: The first white missionary to arrive in Umuofia. He respects Igbo customs, promotes education, and builds schools and hospitals peacefully.

Reverend James Smith: Replaces Mr. Brown as missionary. Intolerant and strict, he despises Igbo traditions and encourages violent religious confrontation.

District Commissioner: A British officer who represents colonial power. After Okonkwo’s death, he plans to write about Africa in a demeaning way.

Akunna: A respected Umuofian who discusses religion with Mr. Brown. Through calm dialogue, he shows similarities between Igbo beliefs and Christianity.

Nwakibie: A wealthy clansman who lends Okonkwo yam seeds in his youth. His trust helps Okonkwo start his career and build wealth.

Amalinze the Cat: A famous wrestler unbeaten for seven years until Okonkwo defeats him, marking Okonkwo’s first great victory and fame.

Ojiugo: Okonkwo’s youngest wife, whom he beats during the Week of Peace. Her punishment becomes one of Okonkwo’s moral downfalls.

Obiageli: Okonkwo’s daughter by his first wife. She is cheerful and well-behaved, preparing for marriage when the family returns to Umuofia.

Agbala: The Oracle of the Hills and Caves, a powerful Igbo god who influences justice, fate, and daily life in the clan.

Ani: The earth goddess, protector of fertility and morality. The people worship her to ensure good harvests and community balance.

Chielo: A widow who serves as the priestess of Agbala. She loves Ezinma dearly and once carries her through the forest to the Oracle’s cave.

Ezeani: The priest of the earth goddess Ani. He scolds Okonkwo for breaking the Week of Peace by beating his wife.

Ezeugo: A strong orator and village leader who speaks at community gatherings, helping maintain unity and communication among the clans.

Amikwu: Okonkwo’s cousin who informs him that Nwoye has joined the Christians, deepening the rift between father and son.

Anasi: Nwakibie’s first wife, a respected woman who manages her husband’s household and represents traditional female authority.

Aneto: An Igbo man executed by the white court for killing another man, showing how colonial law replaced traditional justice.

Enoch: A fanatical Christian convert whose act of unmasking an egwugwu sparks violent conflict between the church and the clan.

Okagbue Uyanwa: A medicine man skilled in traditional healing. He helps Okonkwo and Ekwefi when Ezinma becomes sick.

Mr. Kiaga: A native convert who becomes a Christian missionary. He helps Nwoye and other villagers join the new faith.

Maduka: Obierika’s energetic son who wins a wrestling match. He is admired for his confidence and youthful skill.

Nneka: A woman who joins the Christian church after suffering in her traditional marriage. Her name means “Mother is supreme.”

Kotma: Court messengers serving the District Commissioner. They enforce colonial orders and abuse power over the local people.

Okika: A respected elder and one of the men jailed with Okonkwo. He urges the clan to resist the white men’s rule.

Okoli: An Igbo Christian who kills the sacred royal python, an act that increases tension between Christians and the traditionalists.

Okoye: Unoka’s neighbor who tries to collect a debt from him. Unoka avoids payment, showing his irresponsibility.

Ofoedu: A villager who brings news of deaths and events, such as Ndulue’s passing, to Okonkwo and Obierika.

First Wife (Nwoye’s Mother): Okonkwo’s first wife, gentle and patient. She manages the household and maintains peace among co-wives.