AP English notes on Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These notes contain brief character outlines and notes on the theme of Freedom and Responsibility including quotes.
- 15 years old
- Quiet and withdrawn but excellent student
- Idolises her father
- Worldview is based on strict catholic views
- Falls in love with father Amadi
- Retains catholic faith but is more liberal at the end
Jaja (Chukwuka) Achike
- 17 years old
- Quiet but excellent student
- Feels guilty about being unable to protect Kambili and Mama
- Has a passion for gardening
- More openly rebellious – he challenges papa and rejects Catholicism
o Causes him to grow distant from Kambili
- Takes responsibility for mama killing papa – serves 3 years in jail
Papa (Eugene Achike)
- Wealthy factory owner and devout catholic
- Supports his family, relations, charities and churches with money
- Publishes “The Standard” and is willing to criticise the government
- Strict and authoritarian at home
- Abuses family for not achieving impossibly high standards
- Broke ties with his father (Papa Nnukwu) because he is not a catholic
- Believes western culture is superior to traditional culture ("brainwashed by missionaries")
o Thus affects a British accent and avoids speaking Igbo
Mama (Beatrice Achike)
- Quiet and submissive – doesn’t speak against Papa
- Suffered miscarriages due to beatings from Papa
- Friends with Aunty Ifeoma
- Cannot leave such a wealthy, socially important man
- Slowly poisons Papa
Aunty Ifeoma
- Papa’s sister who is tall, outspoken and Professor at the University of Nigeria
- Not afraid to criticise Papa, the university or the government
- She is a liberal Catholic and accepts Papa Nnukwu’s traditional beliefs
- Treats her children with respect and encourages free-thinking
- Helps Jaja and Kambili find their independence
, Purple Hibiscus
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Moves to America when the University fires her for speaking out
Papa Nnukwu
- Father of Papa and Aunty Ifeoma
- Traditionalist – he believes in the ancestors
- Close with Aunty Ifeoma and her children
- Papa cut ties with him because he won't convert to Christianity
- Kambili fears that he is a “heathen” and then learns to love him
Father Amadi
- A young, handsome priest who is friends with Aunty Ifeoma and her children
- He is a Catholic who respects Nigerian roots – incorporates Igbo in prayers/songs
- Plays soccer and jokes with children – “unpriestly” behaviour
- Leaves to do missionary work in Germany
- Is close with Kambili
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