Unoka died a shameful death and left numerous debts. He was referred to as agbala, one who resembles the weakness of a woman and has no property. Within the community, Unoka was considered a failure and a laughingstock. Consequently, his wife and children often went hungry. He often borrowed money and then squandered it on palm-wine and merrymaking with friends. Okonkwo's father, Unoka, was a lazy and wasteful man. Okonkwo determines to gain titles for himself and become a powerful and wealthy man in spite of his father's weaknesses. He first earns personal fame and distinction, and brings honor to his village, when he defeats Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling contest.
Okonkwo is a respected and influential leader within the Igbo community of Umuofia in eastern Nigeria. Things Fall Apart is about the tragic fall of the protagonist, Okonkwo, and the Igbo culture.
