THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHARACTERS IN REPLICA: A READING IN THE LIGHT OF NARRATIVE THEORY

Abstract

The short story "Imitation" is part of the collection "The Thing Around Your Neck", written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The plot centers on Nkem, a Nigerian woman who immigrates to the United States after her husband, Obiora, achieves economic success. The house where this family lives is filled with objects that mirror memories of the Nigerian context. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the construction of the characters in the short story "Imitation" based on Narrative Theory, considering cultural, emotional, and narrative aspects. Furthermore, we sought to understand the strategies used in the formation of these literary figures and their contribution to the text's meaning. This study uses a qualitative and interpretive approach, grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Candido (2009), Rosenfeld (2009), Eco (1993), and Dourado (1973). The results indicate that the characters display varying degrees of depth, with some remaining static while others transform the plot, revealing their psychological and emotional layers. From this perspective, “Imitation” uses character development to articulate narrative and cultural issues, reaffirming literature as a space for critical analysis and reflection on the human condition.