Tragic Hero

Achebe has intentionally adapted the conventions of the tragic hero archetype to Okonkwo, the main character in Things Fall Apart. Okonkwo reflects the downfall of the Igbo tribe when the missionaries came to Umoufia and took over their community. Things Fall Apart is considered a tragedy relative to the upsurge of Western expansion and colonization within the African continent. Throughout the novel, we experience how Okonkwo develops his sociopolitical position within Umuofia's tribal community. Their culture evolved a complex hierarchical structure which divides the Igbo people in distinct groups according to their wealth, age, gender and willpower. Okonkwo belonging to the top chiefs of Umoufia and having earned the highest title for his courage and arrogance, is the ultimate product of their society.