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Michael “Mike” Obi

The main character and protagonist of the story. Obi is young, enthusiastic, and arrogant. He believes in the correctness of modernity, and is excited to deploy his forward-thinking attitudes in service of educating children. His promotion to headmaster provides him even more confidence in instituting changes.

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Nancy Obi

Obi’s wife. She shares Obi’s enthusiasm for the modern way of life. She plants the garden that comes to symbolize the strain between the village and the school.

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The Village Priest

The messenger from the village who explains the importance of the path to Obi. He is friendly and straightforward, but unwavering in his argument against Obi’s changes.  

The Government Education Officer

An official from the government sent to evaluate the school.

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