Okonkwo's Character

Throughout Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo's actions and emotions are dictated by his dread of weakness and failure. Because of the apparent weakness in his father, he is an unreasonable and furious guy who clings to macho ideals. To attempt to escape the destitute, unworthy death that his father experienced, he develops into a well-respected farmer, wrestler, and fighter. Because of his dread and wrath, he acts irrationally, breaking Igbo tradition and upsetting his clan's gods.