Half of a Yellow Sun

Main Characters and Their Development

• Olanna — a young woman from a wealthy Nigerian family who chooses to leave her privileged life for love with the revolutionary Odenigbo. Throughout the novel, she faces numerous challenges, including infidelity and war, which make her stronger and more independent.
• Odenigbo — a university lecturer and revolutionary who passionately believes in Biafra's independence. His idealism and convictions are tested by the war, forcing him to reevaluate his views and priorities.
• Ugwu — a young servant of Odenigbo who gradually becomes part of his family. At the beginning of the novel, he is naive and ignorant, but over time, through education and the experience of war, he matures and becomes more aware and responsible.
• Richard — a British writer who comes to Nigeria and falls in love with Olanna's sister, Kainene. His perspective on Nigerian culture and the war evolves from that of an outsider to an active participant, reflecting his personal growth and change in worldview.
• Kainene — Olanna's sister, an independent and free-spirited woman who seeks self-realization. Her relationship with Richard and involvement in the war demonstrate her inner strength and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.