A Man of the People

Chief Nanga is the antagonist of A Man of the People in that he opposes Odili, but he is respected and revered by the general public. The reader learns that he was directly involved in securing the nation’s independence from Britain, and because of that, the people are willing to overlook his misuse of funds and corrupt practices, even after they are brought to light—at least, until the revolution.

For Chief Nanga, loyalty is important. Those who are disloyal to him, like Odili, are severely dealt with. When Nanga slaps Odili and has his bodyguards beat him, it is because he knows he can no longer charm Odili onto his side and gain his support. So, he paints Odili as a traitor who insulted his hospitality, and the people turn against Odili.

Mrs. Nanga is Chief Nanga’s first wife. Nanga is seeking a second wife to help him host parties and events, and decides that this will be Edna. Mrs. Nanga doesn’t want her husband to marry Edna, but she is not unkind to the younger woman. For most of the book, she acts as an ally of Odili’s, welcoming him into their home. However, Nanga ultimately poisons her against Odili as well, and she becomes another antagonist. She represents Nanga’s life at home, particularly in his home village, as that’s where she spends most of her time.

Elsie is a woman Odili knew while he was at the university. They had a fling, though she’s now engaged to a man in Scotland. He hopes that when he travels to Bori, he will be able to sleep with her again, and is excited that Nanga is giving him a private room to use. Elsie works at a hospital in Bori. She eagerly accompanies Odili to Nanga’s house, but ends up sleeping with Nanga instead of Odili, though it is against her will. Elsie represents women as objects of entertainment to Odili.

Edna is Nanga’s soon-to-be second wife. Though she is trapped by her father’s threats to hurt her if she doesn’t marry Nanga, Edna would prefer not to. Initially, Odili plans to use her to exact revenge against Nanga, but ultimately he ends up falling in love with her. In contrast to Elsie, Edna comes to represent Odili’s heart’s desire, rather than just a night of entertainment or a means to an end.