Aku-nna

Thirteen years old at the start, Aku-nna is the book's protagonist who experiences a lot of hardship in only a few years. Though obedient to her parents and many of her culture's customs, Aku-nna has the courage to take control of her life. She is among the few educated females in the story and challenges gender roles even further by becoming a teacher.

However, Her most defiant action is shown when she chooses her husband out of love and without financial motivations. She marries Chike even though it goes against the expectations of everyone in her village. In the end, Aku-nna's death symbolizes the terrible end that comes to those who challenge strict cultural conditions.

Nna-nndo

Nna-nndo is Aku-nna's eleven-year-old brother. He is tall and clever but "slow at book work." Though Nna-nndo's father dies and he is forced to move, his life is relatively easy compared to his sister. His education is always guaranteed and paid for; unlike his sister, he is not pressured to marry. This can be attributed to him being both a boy and a few years too young.

Nna-nndo likes to joke, but he is protective of his sister when he needs to be. Unfortunately, his voice does not hold any sway due to his age.

Ma Blackie

Unable to have another child, Ma Blackie is away at the story's beginning, praying for the river goddess to give her a baby. Tall, beautiful, and intelligent, Ma Blackie was paid for by Ezekiel's family when she was younger. Though the marriage was no choice of her own, it was a happy one. Much like her son, she is fond of jokes.

Ma Blackie loves her children, Aku-nna and Nna-nndo, but, as a woman, she has no power to protect them. She marries Ezekiel's older brother because it respects tradition and provides protection.

Ezekiel Odia

The father of Aku-nna and Nna-nndo, Ezekiel, is absent for much of the story. Having been a soldier in World War II, it is implied that the effect of his injuries from this time is what kills him many years later.

Soft-spoken and gentle while alive, Ezekiel loves both of his children but has a particular fondness for Aku-nna. Ezekiel sees that much of his appearance and personality is reflected in his daughter. Ezekiel's death is the event that allows for plot progression.

Okonkwo

Okonkwo is the eldest brother of Ezekiel. In holding this title, Okonkwo inherits all of Ezekiel's wealth and marries Ma Blackie. Though not explicitly unkind, Okonkwo is fueled by greed. His primary motivator is the acquisition of wealth. Thus, he has high expectations for Aku-nna's bride price.

Okonkwo aspires to become "Obi" and does not want anything to get in his way. Thus, it is characteristic of him not to accept the bride price of Chike's father since they come from a slave family; it would ruin his reputation.

Chike Ofulue

Chike," perhaps eighteen or nineteen" years old, is introduced to the story as Aku-nna's kind school teacher who comes from a family of former slaves. Chike's family is wealthy, and he is attractive, so it is fitting that Chike has had many relationships with local girls. He finds these flings fun but looks down on the girls because of their lack of education.

One of the main reasons that Chike falls in love with Aku-nna is because she is intelligent and reserved. Chike is so driven by love that he leaves his home to marry and protect Aku-nna.

Okoboshi Obidi

Okoboshi is a boy from Aku-nna's school. She is kidnapped by his family and nearly forced to marry him. Not much is known about Okoboshi, but he is an only child given everything he wants. This may account for his unkindness towards Aku-nna. Even before the kidnapping of Aku-nna, Okoboshi's disrespect is shown when he puts his hand down Aku-nna's shirt, and, out of all the boys present, Chike is the only one to stand up to him.