No Longer at Ease Character Analysis

Obi

Obi Okonkwo is the novel’s protagonist, a promising young man from the rural town of Umuofia who was sent to England to study on a scholarship raised by his townsmen. After four years abroad, he… read analysis of Obi

Clara

Clara is Obi’s fiancée, whom he meets briefly at a dance, and then again on the boat back from England. Clara is somewhat mysterious and reserved, but she generally remains a supportive and faithful… read analysis of Clara

Isaac

Isaac is Obi’s father. One of the lone Christians in his rural village, his strict religious parenting alienated Obi and his siblings from their peers. Nevertheless, Isaac’s reverence for the written word—derived from the… read analysis of Isaac

Hannah

Hannah is Obi’s mother. She’s an impressive and intimidating figure in her community. Hannah willingly adopted Isaac’s Christianity, though she secretly clings to the folk customs and oral tradition that Isaac vehemently rejected… read analysis of Hannah

Joseph

Joseph Okeke is Obi’s childhood friend. Obi visits him in Lagos on his way out to England and then reconnects with upon his return, and he eventually rooms with Joseph in Lagos. Joseph is… read analysis of Joseph

Mr. Green

Mr. Green, a White Englishman, is Obi’s boss at the Civil Service. Green is convinced that African people are by nature “thoroughly corrupt,” and he has harsh views on Nigeria and its government. Obi… read analysis of Mr. Green

Marie Tomlinson

Marie Tomlinson is Mr. Green’s secretary and Obi’s coworker. Suspicious that she’s spying on him at first, Obi eventually warms up to her, as she’s very charming and gregarious. Though the narration doesn’t… read analysis of Marie Tomlinson

Christopher

Christopher is friend of Obi’s who also went abroad to England, studying economics. He and Obi have long debates over Nigeria’s politics and future. Christopher, a womanizer, introduces Obi to Pat and Nora… read analysis of Christopher

Mr. Omo

Mr. Omo is Obi’s coworker at the Civil Service. He represents the old type of the corrupt Nigerian official, who Obi believes will be weeded out of government as more and more Nigerian people… read analysis of Mr. Omo

Odogwu

Odogwu is an elder in Obi’s home village, who gives a long and imposing speech on their people’s history. He exalts the greatness of their ancestors, and laments that humans cannot determine when and… read analysis of Odogwu

Elsie Mark

Elsie Mark is Mr. Mark’s sister and a candidate in an upcoming scholarship competition. When her brother’s attempt to bribe Obi fails, she herself shows up at Obi’s apartment and pleads with him, seemingly… read analysis of Elsie Mark

Pat and Nora

Pat and Nora are two Irish girls at a Catholic convent in Nigeria. Christopher and Obi initiate a casual ongoing fling with them, which never progresses past kissing. One day, Pat and Nora have to… read analysis of Pat and Nora

Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones, a White man, was the Inspector of Schools in Obi’s province growing up, an intimidating man who was out to catch students and local teachers alike in bad conduct. When he slapped… read analysis of Mr. Jones

Minor Characters

Sam Okoli

Sam Okoli is a popular politician in Lagos and a friend of Clara’s, whom Obi soon befriends as well. He lends Obi the money for Clara’s abortion, and Obi eventually repays him with money from bribes.

Mr. Mark

Mr. Mark is the brother of Elsie Mark, who arrives at Obi’s office one day and quietly but obviously attempts to bribe Obi to give Elsie special consideration in a scholarship competition. Obi emphatically declines, which gives him a sense of self-worth and pride.

Mary

Mary is a very religious friend of Hannah’s. She leads a prayer during the the young Obi’s going-away party.

Reverend Ikedi

Reverend Ikedi is a reverend in Obi’s hometown, who exhorts Obi as he leaves for England to resist the temptations of the White man’s land.

Bisi

Bisi is one of Christopher’s girlfriends. She goes out dancing one night with him, Obi, and Clara.

William Galloway

William Galloway is the judge who convicts Obi.

No Longer at Ease

Chinua Achebe

No Longer at Ease Characters

Obi