Oroonoko : Characters
Oroonoko is a notable literary work by Aphra Behn. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Oroonoko.
Characters
Oroonoko: Oroonoko is the main character and hero of the story. He is a young African prince, brave and handsome. Oroonoko is very skilled in fighting and loved by his people. He is honest and always keeps his promises. He loves Imoinda, a beautiful woman in his kingdom. Oroonoko is captured by slave traders and sent to Suriname as a slave. Even in slavery, he does not lose his honor. He fights for freedom and tries to protect his loved ones until the end.
Imoinda: Imoinda is the woman Oroonoko loves. She is very beautiful, gentle, and loyal. Imoinda is the first part of the royal court in Africa. She is also captured and sent to Suriname as a slave. Imoinda and Oroonoko are reunited in Suriname. She supports Oroonoko in every hardship. Imoinda is very brave, even during the hardest times.
The Narrator: The story is told by a European woman who is in Suriname. She describes what she sees and hears about Oroonoko and Imoinda. The narrator is friendly to Oroonoko and tries to help him.
Minor Characters
King of Coramantien: He is Oroonoko’s grandfather and the ruler of their homeland. He is powerful but can be unfair.
The English Slave Trader (Captain): He tricks Oroonoko and his men, captures them, and sells them into slavery in Suriname.
Mr. Trefry: Mr. Trefry is an Englishman who works in Suriname. He is the overseer or manager of the plantation. He treats Oroonoko with kindness and respect.
Governor Byam: He is the main authority in Suriname. Governor Byam does not keep his promise to Oroonoko. He is cruel and is responsible for Oroonoko’s punishment and death.
Other Slaves: Many African men and women are shown as slaves in Suriname. They support Oroonoko and look up to him as a leader.
Each character has a different role in the story. Together, they show the pain, strength, and struggle for freedom experienced by Oroonoko and the people around him