TFA Final

Archetype

a (stereo)typical example of a character seen across many different stories

Catalyst

a character that invokes change in other characters

Characterization

the way the author describes/represents/reveals a character

Direct characterization

when the author explicitly tells the reader what a character is like

Indirect characterization

inferred through the character’s speech, actions, and thoughts

Point of View

the perspective from which a story is told

First-person point of view

the narrator is a character in the story and is told from their perspective - I, we, my, our, etc.

Third person point of view (limited)

access to only one character’s POV

Third person point of view omniscient

gives insight into more than one/all characters

Dynamic

changes throughout the story

Static

remains unchanged throughout the story

Foil

character with contrasting traits

Round

complex, multilayer character

Flat

simple, one-dimensional, single layer

Capricious

impulsive and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

Delectable

delicious, delightful, pleasant

Dregs

the most worthless part(s) of something

Esoteric

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest

Haggard

exhausted, unwell, worn-out

Imperious

assuming authority without justification; commanding

Incipient

beginning to develop/happen

Resignation

the acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable

Specious

superficially plausible, but actually wrong, misleading

Uncanny

unsettling, strange, and mysterious

Valediction

the action or a statement of saying farewell

Bride Price

the price the groom’s/suitor’s family must pay in exchange for the bride

Chukwu

the supreme god of the Ibo culture (compared to the one and only God of Christianity)

Efulefu

men who never acquire any titles during their lifetime and are worthless and empty

Kola nuts

shared by hosts with their guests to show hospitality, respect, and community

Nneka

“Mother is Supreme” showing the importance of women, mothers, and motherland as a place for protection, comfort, and support

Ogbanje

a “wicked” child that repeatedly dies and returns back to its mother, causing her sorrow

Obi

a hut (within a compound) where family/tribe members live or the living quarters of the head of the family

Ochu

murder/manslaughter - there are two types

Osu

the outcasts of the Ibo society and “eye sores” who were not allowed to cut their hair

Palm wine

a staple drink in Ibo culture, showing respect, community, and peace, playing a significant role in gatherings, weddings, and religions ceremonies

The Evil Forest

a place where abominable things/people are abandoned to die/rot, a graveyard for the unhonorable, and the name of the leader of the egwugwu

The Week of Peace

no one is allowed to speak harshly or act violently, honoring the earth goddess to bring good crops,

Titles

represents personal achievement and status in society

Yams

a staple crop that is a symbol of one’s wealth and social status

Akunna

highly respected leader in Umuofia who engages in a respectful conversation with Mr. Brown about their religions

Amalinze

nicknamed “The Cat,” he is an unbeaten wrestler because his back never touched the ground, but is finally defeated by Okonkwo after 7 years

Chielo

village widow who is also the priestess of Agabala, the earth goddess, often possessed by her, who has a special relationship with Enzinma and Ekwefi

Egwugwu(s)

the nine prominent masked leaders representing ancestral spirits and acting as judges in the community, settling disputes, maintaining peace, and law enforcement

Ekwefi

second wife of Okonkwo, mother of Enzinma, who initially goes through a lot of grief because of her ogbanje, and is independent, strong, and determined

Enoch

a devout and overzealous convert who unmasks of the egwugwu, causing conflict between the Ibo people and the Christians (and him)

Ezinma

a sickly child who turns into a smart and beautiful woman, the only daughter of Ekwefi, obedient and understanding of Okonkwo,

Kotma

the court messengers assigned by the British to carry out law enforcement

Mr. Kiaga

the main interpreter for the missionaries who is also a teacher and leader of the new church in Mbanta, acting as a bridge between the two groups and a converter

Nwakibie

wealthy clansman who lends Okonkwo double the amount of yams he asks for, believing that he is trustworthy and hardworking, helping him build his wealth

Nwoye

eldest son of Okonkwo, who is at first timid, but later defies and leaves his father for good, having varying ideologies with his father

Obierika

Okonkwo’s best friend who always stays by his side, a respected and reasonable man, a foil to Okonkwo

Ogbuefi Ezeudu

the oldest man in the village, a wise and well-spoken orator, once a great warrior, now a significant clan leader who also delivers messages from the Oracle, advising Okonkwo not to participate in Ikemefuna’s death

Reverend Smith

a foil and successor to the church to Mr. Brown, he is stricter and not accommodating towards the Igbo people

The District Commissioner

a stern white colonial administrator of Umuofia who possesses little knowledge of the people but enforces government, laws, and religion

Uchendu

Okonkwo’s uncle, a wise yet brave man who welcomes him and his family with open arms, providing him wisdom and hospitality

Unoka

Okonkwo's father, known for his weakness and lack of responsibility