In the book Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, change is a common key word used throughout the story. However, the meaning of this word for the characters in the story is considered unusual. Okonkwo, being a well-liked person in the Umofia community, is resistant to change, knowing that change brings new modifications to the life of the community as well as his own life. This resistance that builds within him begins to alter his actions and thoughts, transforming his character from a stern and serious role to a villainous character. As readers progress through the story, they may only see that Okonkwo is this serious character, but there is something hidden in his facade. Behind this character lies the fear of the threat of change. Okonkwo resists the changes brought about in the community, but he himself is in fact transformed by this hidden fear of change. As the missionaries stay and build their foundation in Umofia, Okonkwo begins to feel threatened by the change in the citizens' beliefs. Okonkwo begins to transform into a violent and nasty character because of his resistance to changing the community. At one point in the book, the villain that Okonkwo has contained within him is shown when he acts out his rage in the face of this threat of change. This brutal individual is put into perspective when Okonkwo was “suddenly overcome with fury, jumped up and grabbed him [Nwoye] by the neck” (151). In the need to express his anger, he becomes violent and threatens to kill Nwoye because Nwoye changed his beliefs. With the changes affecting the community and his family, Okonkwo becomes a brutal individual due to the threat of change. As the story progresses, Okonkwo begins to question the...... middle of paper...... his position in the community has changed. However, as missionaries entered the community and began converting citizens, Okonkwo viewed this event as a threat to his success and fame. Resisting the alteration of Umofia's culture, Okonkwo begins to act violently, which is specifically manifested when he attacks Nwoye. Additionally, Okonkwo begins to question why his son is "degenerate and effeminate", showing another example of his resistance to change. Finally, Okonkwo kills one of the missionaries. This event in the story reveals Okonkwo's dark and wicked side to the community of Umofia and the reader. In conclusion, Okonkwo's resistance to change to maintain his position in the community causes his importance to disappear, leaving only a violent and nasty character who no longer has a big impact in the community..