Things Fall Apart Character Analysis

In the novel, Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe introduces his main character, Okonkwo. In spite of his father being a failure, Okonkwo starts working hard and sets goals for himself so he will not end up like his father. He wants to be prosperous and works hard to gain this, but does not always make the best choices. He is strong and hardworking, but he is also violent and very impatient.

Okonkwo is both strong and hardworking. This complex character is described by Achebe as "tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look" (Achebe, 3-4). He also breathes very heavily like a great beast in deep slumber. Okonkwo is always seen walking upon the foremost part of his feet, leaving his heels just above the ground. This stance gives the impression that he is ready to pounce upon anybody who angers him, and often times this is the case. Strength and pride are very important aspects of the main character, Okonkwo, however, these traits may sound like excellent traits to possess but because of the way he was raised, Okonkwo harbors many of his emotions under an outer shell of violence, strength and pride. His traits can be shown by looking at where he has come from in his life, for example, Okonkwo has acquired a large amount of wealth in his life because of his hard work and dedication which he also puts towards his family, unfortunately, his family also suffers greatly because of this due to Okonkwo’s high expectations of his children and his violent ways when they do not live up to them. While still quite young, “he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat” (Achebe 3). Okonkwo’s ability to beat a famous wrestler at a young age shows how he has great physical strength.

Okonkwo is not an easily likable character. He is rough, abusive, sexist, and generally moody. He's highly prone to violence. "He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quick enough, he would use his fists" (Achebe 4). This paints the picture of a man who is not only violent, but impatient. He's extremely stubborn, controlling, and stuck in his ways. The Okonkwo way or the highway! Analyzing the death of Ikemefuma, the exile of Okonkwo, and the death of Okonkwo can give some insight on Okonkwo's character. "He heard Ikemefuma cry, 'My father, they have killed me!' as he ran towards him. Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak" (Achebe 61). Of course, he would not want to stay behind and be considered weak! Okonkwo had turned himself into the worst kind of villain; the kind that murders a child. Okonkwo is not happy to be forced into his motherland. Once again, Okonkwo likes to get his way. He sulks about until his uncle finally gets sick of him and calls him and his children into his hut for a little lecture. "Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted? Be careful or you may displease the dead" (Achebe 134). So Okonkwo, to put it simply, sucks it up and lives out seven years in his motherland. His usual impatience is masked by his determination to get through his exile and return in glory to his fatherland. Okonkwo may be stubborn, but that stubbornness helps him get through this difficult time.

The character of Okonkwo is an extremely strong as well as complex one. His strength and stubbornness could serve him well, but in the end they lead to his fall. Okonkwo ends up realizing that his clansmen do not support his rash actions and in turn, Okonkwo commits suicide, a very shameful death. This brash and stern character tries so hard throughout his life to maintain a certain lifestyle, but ultimately defeats himself and thus becomes a tragic hero. So, was Okonkwo inherently good or evil? He did kill his own adopted son. But he was also an example of strong cultural and religious loyalty. Also a martyr, and abusive, and a survivor, until the end, of course. That he was human. Not all good, but not pure evil. He made good choices and he made bad ones. Sometimes, his traits would work for him, and sometimes, against him. To put it simply, he is really no more different than any other human on earth.