A legendary wrestler unbeaten for seven years, nicknamed the Cat for never touching the earth with his back, defeated by Okonkwo.

A young boy sacrificed by a neighboring village to prevent war, who will be looked after by Okonkwo. Lives with Okonkwo, recovers from illness, assists in yam preparation, becomes fully accepted as a son figure Ikemefuna is killed by Okonkwo following the Oracle's decree.

Okonkwo is a famed wrestler who defeated Amalinze the Cat, a massive and severe‑looking man with a stammer, a wealthy farmer with two yam barns, three wives, two titles, and a participant in two inter‑tribal wars; he also cares for the sacrificed lad Ikemefuna. Speaks at council urging force against Christians, calls clan womanly Okonkwo commits suicide by hanging himself after being driven by the District Commissioner.

A wealthy neighbor with three wives, a large yam barn, and a musician who plays the ogene; he is preparing for the Idemili title and comes to collect a debt from Unoka.

Okonkwo’s father, a lazy, indebted flutist who loved music and festivals but died ten years ago; his debts and carefree lifestyle are recounted.

Priest of the earth goddess Ani who punishes Okonkwo for breaking the Week of Peace

Okonkwo's younger son, close to Ikemefuna, helps fetch and count seed yams Now called Isaac, sent to a teacher‑training college in Umuru.

Oldest man in the village who recounts past severe punishments for breaking the peace

Okonkwo's youngest wife who plaits her hair and is beaten during the Week of Peace

Villager who contradicts Okonkwo at a kindred meeting and is called a woman

Okonkwo's second wife, mother of Ezinma, nearly shot by Okonkwo, loves wrestling, described as forty‑five and suffering many hardships.

Ten‑year‑old daughter of Ekwefi, calls mother by name, helps with fire and cooking, anticipates wrestling, interacts with Okonkwo.

Daughter of Okonkwo's third wife, appears bringing a dish to the feast.

Nwoye's sister who breaks a water‑pot and cries; later laughs about the accident.

Chielo is the priestess of Agbala, a widow with two children, and a close friend of Ekwefi.

Ikezue loses the final wrestling match after a failed attempt to fling Okafo.

Maduka, son of Obierika, wins the opening wrestling bout and is celebrated by the crowd.

Obierika is mentioned as the father of Maduka.

Okafo wins the final wrestling match against Ikezue and is hailed as the village champion.

Ekwefi reminisces about her first husband Anene, providing background on her marriage to Okonkwo.

Owner of the cow that was let loose

Suitor of Obierika's daughter, arrives with bride‑price

Woman ill with iba, mentioned during cow incident

Elder who receives Okonkwo's snuff

Woman with infant not yet twenty‑eight days old

Uchendu's daughter mentioned in his speech about twins.

Youngest son of Uchendu who is marrying a new wife.

Eldest daughter of Uchendu who conducts the bride‑price questioning ceremony.

Maternal uncle who receives Okonkwo in Mbanta, provides land, seed yams, and admonishes him.

Iweka is Uchendu’s father, described as a great man with many friends in distant clans.

Nweke has married Okadigbo’s second daughter.

White missionary who visits the Christian community in Mbanta His health fails; he leaves Umuofia after the first rainy season following Okonkwo's return.

Missionary who leads the young church in Mbanta, defends osu admission and survives early conflicts

Christian accused of killing the sacred python, later dies

Elder mentioned by Uchendu during his speech.

First child born to Okonkwo in exile, named after his mother’s kin.

Second child born to Okonkwo in exile, named to signify being born in the wilderness.

Ancestor of the umunna, lived two hundred years earlier.

Elder mentioned by Uchendu during his speech.

Was hanged by the white court after a land dispute

Family received disputed land by paying white messengers and interpreter

Killed in a fight over land, died after seven days of injury

Converted to Christianity, gave up titles, first man in Umuofia to receive Holy Communion

Great man of a neighboring village who debates religion with Mr. Brown and sends his son to the missionary school.

Son of the priest of the snake cult, rumored to have killed and eaten the sacred python. son of the snake‑priest; mutilated an ogbanje child; stripped an egwugwu mask, triggering violent clash

leading egwugwu who speaks to the missionaries and demands the shrine’s destruction while sparing the missionary

interpreter for Reverend Smith; previously opposed Enoch; stands with Smith during the spirit attack

replaces Mr. Brown as missionary; condemns compromise and adopts a militant, black‑and‑white theology

Okonkwo despises him as a coward who opposes war.

Representative of the white administration who arrives to halt the meeting and is killed by Okonkwo.

One of the six released prisoners who delivers an impassioned speech urging war.

Provides the booming voice that salutes the assembly before Okika begins to speak.

The chief messenger obeys the Commissioner’s order to take down Okonkwo’s body and escort the villagers to court.

The colonial official arrives with soldiers and messengers, discovers Okonkwo's hanging body, orders its removal, and plans to write a book titled “The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger”.