Why do I relate to Obierika’s character from "Things Fall Apart”?

Of the many characters in the novel, Obierika’s character was the one I relate with for many reasons. He may not be influential like his best friend Okonkwo, but the people of his clan respects Obierika for his excellent judgment and righteousness. He is the opposite of his good friend, Okonkwo who rush into making a decision and who values the perception of others more than his own family. The novel portrays Obierika’s character as a good friend who is always there to offer advice and support to his friend. It can be said that the author Chinua Achebe tried to depict Obierika as a man who stands firm on what he believes in and was never persuaded into something that runs contradictory to his beliefs. Earlier in the novel, Obierika adviced Okonkwo not to participate in the murder of Ikemefuna because he could not see any merit for this action. Achebe showed how Obierika does not just submit to orders of the tribe to please them or to gain favor from them. Obierika weighs in the reasons given by the tribe’s elders and rationalizes on the possible repercussion of such actions. In the case of Ikemefuna’s murder, Obierika shows no basis for the order because the boy did not do anything wrong that deserves such fate under the hands of the tribe. The story also revealed how supportive Obierika was on his best friend after the later was exiled. It was Obierika who sold the yams that Okonkwo made to support his family. This side of Obierika revealed how fair and honest he was, primarily as a tradesman, when he returned all the cowries that served as payment for Okonkwo’s yams (Achebe, 1996, p.96). Lastly, Obierika’s character was a realistic representation of what it means when they say that “quiet people have the loudest minds.” This was evident when Okonkwo killed himself (Achebe, 1996, p.147), and Obierika expressed his anger over his friend’s death and blamed the system for pushing his friend to his grave.

Reference 

Achebe, C. (1996). Things Fall Apart. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann.