Elesin Oba

As "a man of enormous vitality," Elesin commands the attention and respect of his entire community. He embraces life's pleasures, from women to song and dance. Elesin also embodies tradition, honor, and wisdom, bound by the ritual that mandates his self-sacrifice, symbolizing his transition to the afterlife.

At the play's outset, he eagerly prepares for death stating,
I am the master of my fate. When the hour comes
Watch me dance along the narrowing path
Glazed by the soles of my great precursors.
My soul is eager. I shall not turn aside. (Scene 1)

During his final hours, he's drawn to a young woman, igniting an unexpected union that clashes with his sense of duty. The intervention of British colonial forces disrupts the death ritual, plunging him into disgrace and isolation, forsaken even by his son.

Confined by the British, he is confronted by his son's redemptive suicide. Overwhelmed by his choices, Elesin uses his own chains to end his life, making his legacy a portrait of complex desires and cultural clashes.

Simon Pilkings

As the colonial District Officer, Pilkings finds dealing with the local population a "confounding nuisance." However, he still needs to make more effort to understand the people he has been placed in charge of. He feels his mission is solely to implement colonial policy, not meddle in the tribal affairs of the native populace.

I don't have to stop anything. If they want to throw themselves off the top of a cliff or poison themselves for the sake of some barbaric custom what is that to me?" (Scene 2)

With unwavering certainty in his ways, Simon dismisses all he fails to understand immediately. His intervention to halt Elesin's intended suicide on the night of the prince's visit stems not from genuine concern for Elesin but to avoid disruption to an extravagant ball and royal visit.

Paradoxically, Pilkings' efforts to maintain order spirals into chaos as he undermines the tribe's traditions. His disregard for Yoruba beliefs amplifies the harm he inflicts, inadvertently contributing to the demise of Elesin and the unraveling of familial honor.

Praise-Singer

The Praise-Singer, known as Olohun-iyo, gracefully shadows Elesin, intertwining his admiration within melodious verses. As his title suggests, the Praise-Singer is tasked with promoting a favorable image of Elesin. He tells Elesin that

Your name will be like the sweet berry a child places under his tongue to sweeten the passage of food. (Scene 1)

As a devoted companion, the Praise-Singer discerns Elesin's innermost desires while acknowledging the community's demands for his master's departure. During the sacred death ritual, he metamorphoses into the departed king's essence, engaging in ethereal discourse with Elesin.

Acting as a conscience shrouded in song, he helps Elesin navigate the precipice of transition with ritual chants. However, when Elesin is prevented from fulfilling the death rite, shame also comes upon the Praise-Singer.

Iyaloja

Iyaloja, the revered "mother" of the marketplace, assumes a prominent role yet remains subservient and deferential to men, even fearing offense toward the esteemed Elesin. Her profound reverence for his mission leads her to relinquish her son's intended bride to him in marriage.

The claims of those whose foot is on the threshold of their abode surpasses even the claims of blood. It is impiety to even place hindrances in their ways… It is those who stand at the gateway of great change whose cry we must pay heed. (Scene 1)

However, after Elesin's arrest and the foiling of his plans to take his own life, Iyaloja treats him with undisguised scorn. She is upset with him for trying to get more out...