Characters in Purple Hibiscus

Kambili

Papa (Eugene)

Mama (Beatrice)

Aunty Ifoema

Papa-Nnukwu

Father Amadi

Amaka

Obiora

Chima

Main character

15 Year old girl

Oppressed by her father and her society

Naive and innocent

Priest from Nsukka

Kind-hearted and very good natured

Respects Nigeria and incorporates Igbo language and songs in his church

Kambili and Jaja's cousin

Jealous of her cousins' wealth and lifestyle

An activist and outspoken supporter of African culture

15 years old

Quiet and withdrawn

Jaja

17 years old

Quiet and withdrawn but does become more confident

More openly rebellious than Kambili

Lives in Nsukka

Cares very much for the wellbeing of her niece and nephew

Doesn't agree with her brother's actions

Meek and shy

Opressed and beaten by her husband

Cares a lot for her children

7 year old cousin of Jaja and Kambili

14 year old cousin

Intelligent beyond his years

Mature

Traditionalist who believes the religions of his ancestors

Close to Ifoema's family

Was cut off by Eugene due to his beliefs

Devout Catholic who is very strong in his faith

Rigid rules and very high expectations for his family

Believes Western culture is superior to Nigerian

Beats his children and wife because he believes that is what God is telling him