The Fishermen characters

Also known as Ben

Appears from the start

The fourth of the Agwu brothers and the adult narrator looking back on their childhood in Akure. At nine, Benjamin follows his older brothers to the forbidden river and observes the fear that enters the family after their encounter with Abulu.

Appears from the start

The eldest of the four brothers, fifteen years old and the natural leader of their expeditions. Ikenna has been expected to set an example for the younger boys, but the authority he gains during their father's absence also leaves him isolated from them.

Appears from the start

The second Agwu brother, fourteen, close enough in age to Ikenna to be both his companion and challenger. Boja joins the fishing trips and initially shares the easy alliance of the four oldest boys.

Appears from the start

The third of the four older brothers. Obembe is eleven, intellectually curious, and especially drawn to stories and explanations. He fishes with Ikenna, Boja, and Benjamin and later tries to reason about what Abulu has told them.

Also known as Father

Appears from the start

The boys' strict father, a Central Bank employee whose transfer from Akure to Yola removes the household's main authority. He has ambitious plans for his sons and believes discipline and education can direct each of them toward an important profession.

Also known as Mother

Appears from the start

The mother of the Agwu children, left to manage the large household when her husband is transferred north. She is loving and resourceful but cannot reproduce the control her husband exercised over the four older boys.

Appears from the start

The younger Agwu boy, still a small child when his four oldest brothers begin fishing. David remains largely outside their secret expeditions but is exposed to the changes overtaking the household.

Appears from the start

The youngest Agwu child and the sister of the five boys. Nkem is a toddler at the beginning of Benjamin's account and depends on the family whose stability is about to be tested.

Appears from the start

A local boy whose talk of catching fish helps inspire the Agwu brothers to try the Omi-Ala. His suggestion contributes to the secret routine they develop after their father leaves Akure.

First appears in chapter 3

A homeless and mentally ill man who wanders Akure delivering prophecies that local people fear. At the river he tells Ikenna that a fisherman will kill him, introducing an idea that the eldest brother cannot dismiss.