Nwoye is Okonkwo's son. He is a sensitive young man who struggles with the strict and sometimes harsh Igbo traditions. His character is important as he becomes one of the first in the village to be attracted to the new Christian teachings brought by the white missionaries.
The theme of masculinity also plays a big part. Okonkwo, the main character, is constantly trying to prove his manliness according to the Igbo standards. His fear of being seen as weak like his father drives many of his actions throughout the story.
Chinua Achebe wrote the novel to present a nuanced view of pre-colonial African society and to explore the conflicts and changes that occurred with the arrival of colonial powers. It was a way for him to assert the importance and value of African traditions and identities.
It's hard to say exactly which novel inspired Achebe. His inspiration likely emerged from a rich tapestry of African literature, history, and his personal experiences. There's no one novel that can be clearly identified as the key trigger.
The most obvious main character is the madman himself. He is the central figure around which the story revolves, and his actions and thoughts drive the narrative.
The main character in 'The Voter' is a man who is faced with the decision of who to vote for. There are also the candidates in the election, who try to influence the voters in different ways, like through bribery.
Typical characters include village elders. They are the keepers of traditional knowledge and values in the African communities depicted. There are also young protagonists who are often caught between the old ways and the new, influenced by colonial ideas. And then there are the colonizers themselves, who are portrayed as having a certain arrogance and a lack of understanding of African cultures.
Okonkwo is a very important character. He is a respected and feared member of the Igbo community. Nwoye, his son, is also important as he represents the new generation that is more open to the changes brought by the Europeans. And Ezinma, Okonkwo's daughter, is significant as she has a special bond with her father.
In 'Arrow of God', characters play vital roles in portraying the cultural shift. Ezeulu, as the chief priest, is like a symbol of the Igbo's spiritual and social core. His pride in the traditional ways often clashes with the new colonial ideas. His family members, such as his sons, also add to the complexity. They are influenced by both the old teachings from their father and the allure of the new world brought by the colonizers. These characters together create a vivid picture of a society in turmoil.
The theme of identity can also be seen. The madman's state makes us question how individuals are defined within a society, especially in the context of a changing cultural landscape. As he behaves in ways that are considered abnormal, it forces the reader to think about what it means to be 'normal' in a particular cultural setting and how that affects one's sense of self.
In 'The Voter', Chinua Achebe explores themes of politics and corruption in a Nigerian village. The story shows how the power of voting can be manipulated. For example, the main character is faced with a difficult choice between his loyalty to a candidate and the potential benefits of voting for another. It's a story that reflects the complex social and political dynamics in African communities.