Throughout The Interpreters, the painter Kola is engaged in a titanic effort to create a massive painting that reveals cosmic truths and uses real people as models for Yoruba deities. The uniting, literally overarching ideal is Esumare, representing the rainbow. The creation of the world as a process of fragmentation is shown through Obatala, when a servant rolls a stone down their back. A central figure is the warrior Ogun, who stands for heroism but also for resolution, symbolized by his building a bridge between gods and the earth. His shortcomings, however, include indulging in alcohol and turning a violent hand to his followers, thus negating their victory. Egbo also infuses the painting with Christian undertones, such as emphasizing resurrection.