Ijeoma

Ijeoma is the main character of the novel. At the start of the novel, she is nine years old. She lives in the village of Ichulu in her father's compound. She resides here with her father, Ofodile, her mother, Nnenna, her brother, Nnamdi, and her baby sister, Cheluchi. When Ijeoma was first born, she was dearly loved by her father. However, when Ofodile learned that Ijeoma was mute, he became convinced that she was cursed. He even told Nnenna that they should abandon Ijeoma in the Evil Forest so as not to bring any more shame to their family. Because Nnenna loved Ijeoma, she refused to listen to her husband.

Over the years, Ijeoma learns to navigate her world in Ichulu. She has few friends, but loves her mother, siblings, and her cousin, Uzodi. She also learns to tolerate her daily visits to the village dibia, Igbokwe. Ofodile...