Kambili Achike
Kambili Achike, the protagonist and narrator of Purple Hibiscus, is a fifteen-year-old girl who is both intelligent and observant. She is also a religious young woman. However, Kambili tends to be shy and inhibited, although this changes when she stays with Aunty Ifeoma and her family for a prolonged period of time.
Kambili is the second child of Eugene and Beatrice Achike. Eugene Achike is the father.
Eugene Achike is the father of Kambili and a wealthy businessman. He is a strict Catholic who exerts his dominance over his family by enforcing a rigid religious regime within their home. Throughout the novel, he exerts control over nearly every aspect of their lives, imposing a schedule that dictates every minute of the day for Kambili and her brother Jaja.
Despite being an important figure in his society and generously donating money to those in need, Eugene has a tendency to engage in violent behavior towards his wife, Beatrice, and their two children, inflicting severe physical punishment upon them.
Beatrice Achike
Beatrice, the mother and wife in the Achike family, plays a quiet and nurturing role in the household, a stark contrast to Eugene’s often tyrannical presence. Throughout the book, she is mostly portrayed as passive. Kambili reflects on this, noting that there were many things she overlooked (p. 19). Nonetheless, Beatrice reaches her breaking point with Eugene’s behavior and decides to poison him. She allows her son, Jaja, to take the blame for the crime, leaving her utterly shattered. However, by the end of the novel, with Jaja’s impending release from prison, there is hope for Beatrice’s recovery.
Chukwuka “Jaja” Achike
Chukwuka Achike, known as “Jaja” by his family, is an intelligent young man who is slightly older than his sister. In the novel, he is under his father’s control like the rest of his family but rebels more openly by refusing to participate in communion on Palm Sunday. This causes a dramatic confrontation within the family. He accepts full accountability for his mother’s actions and serves nearly three years in jail before being granted clemency. During this period, he cultivates resilience while maintaining steadfastness.
Aunty Ifeoma
Aunty Ifeoma, Eugene’s sister, is an impressive and intelligent woman who is a lecturer at the University of Nigeria. Despites her financial struggles, she manages to create a much happier environment for her children compared to Eugene and his family. She is resourceful and determined in raising her children without a husband.
Father Amadi
Father Amadi is an attractive young priest who is part of Aunty Ifeoma’s circle and her family. With his youthfulness, knowledge of the local culture, and familiarity with modern life, he can be seen as a representative of the “new generation”.
