Characters in the book Fragments by Ayi Kwei Armah; This study material is suitable for students sitting for their forthcoming IJMB examination as it is the prescribed text for literature students.
Fragments by Ayi Kwei Armah is a novel that features several characters who play important roles in the plot.
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The major characters are as follows:
- Baako – The protagonist of the story. He is a writer who has returned to Ghana after living in the United States for many years. Baako is struggling with his identity and is searching for meaning in his life.
- Abena – Baako’s girlfriend who is also a writer. She is passionate about her work and is determined to tell the stories of the people of Ghana. Abena is supportive of Baako but is also frustrated by his lack of direction.
- Kola – Baako’s friend who is an artist. He is passionate about his work and is determined to use his art to make a difference in the world. Kola is also a mentor to Baako and provides him with guidance and support.
- Oko – Baako’s childhood friend who is now a successful businessman. He represents the corrupt and materialistic values of Ghanaian society. Oko is often at odds with Baako, who is more interested in pursuing his artistic passions than in making money.
- Mammy – Baako’s mother who is a traditional Ghanaian woman. She represents the values and traditions of Ghanaian society. Mammy is supportive of Baako but is also worried about his future and wants him to settle down and have a family.
The minor characters in the novel are as follows:
- Kwame – A young boy who befriends Baako. He represents the hope and potential of Ghana’s future.
- Uncle Kofi – Baako’s uncle who is a traditional Ghanaian man. He represents the old ways of Ghanaian society and is often at odds with Baako’s modern views.
- Adwoa – Abena’s friend who is also a writer. She represents the struggles of women in Ghanaian society.
- Naa – Kola’s girlfriend who is also an artist. She represents the importance of art in Ghanaian society.
- Sosu – Baako’s childhood friend who is now a taxi driver. He represents the struggles of the working class in Ghanaian society.
Overall, the characters in Fragments are complex and multi-dimensional, representing various aspects of Ghanaian society and culture. Baako, Abena, and Kola represent the progressive and artistic elements of Ghanaian society, while Oko and Mammy represent the more traditional and materialistic values.
The minor characters provide additional insights into the struggles of various groups in Ghanaian society, including women and the working class. Through these characters, Armah paints a vivid and nuanced picture of Ghanaian society and culture.
