Okonkwo In Chinau Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Throughout literary works in the past decades, the story of the tragic hero has always been one of interest. In Things Fall Apart, Chinau Achebe tells the story of a hero who makes his own success and is highly respected. As the story develops, the audience experiences his downfall because of his tragic flaws. Okonkwo, the protagonist, fits the definition of a tragic hero because of his characteristics that lead him to his fall.
One of the characteristics that is common amongst tragic heroes is how valued and respected they are. In the village of Umoufia, Okonkwo is one of the most respected men who has gained his fame and respect from his own personal achievements. The narrator introduces this fact in the beginning of the book, stating: “Okonkwo