The Door of No Return

Kofi’s his older brother Kwasi functions as a role model, foil, and positive force in his life. Kwasi is bold, funny, easygoing, brave, outgoing, undaunted, and charismatic. These are all opposite traits of Kofi in the beginning, solidifying him as a foil character. He has many friends, always able to entertain and make others laugh. Kofi envies his brother’s boldness and courage: “and I know one day / I hope to be as bold / and brave / and captivating / as my brother” (106). He doesn’t understand how his brother can get along with others and take chances, such as entering the wrestling match, because he’s not shy or fearful like Kofi. In the first set of wrestling matches and in his death scene wrestling, Kwasi never gives up. He displays bravery when he races around Bonsu, then later when he acts “possessed” taking on three men at once in the Lower Kwanta—even after they’ve tortured him and cut off his fingers. Someday, Kofi would adore being like his brother, which continues Kwasi’s legacy through Kofi, even after his death.

Like Ebo, Kwasi pushes his brother to be more outgoing and inspires him to never give up. In the important race to the river at night, Kwasi tells Kofi not to be a chicken and insists he hurry into the river so he can time his swimming. Unlike Kofi, Kwasi doesn’t fear the river’s curse, showing his brother that people can overcome any fear with the force of their will. Though Kwasi must go on his own journey after accidentally killing Yew—in which he becomes guilt-ridden, silent, and depressed—he comes out stronger. Kwasi comes back into his original, bold self, but with a new idea of how to move on, including a dream to become a weaver away from home. He’s pushed by regret, but also the idea of positive change. Unfortunately, Kwasi doesn’t get to complete his dreams, as he’s tragically killed before Kofi’s eyes. His death is not in vain, as Kofi moves beyond fear as he grieves Kwasi, remembering his brother in his toughest moments as inspiration for resilience. Without Kwasi’s influence and meaningful courage even in the face of death, Kofi is able to endure his fate.

As Kofi’s crush, Ama functions as the story’s love interest and a supportive, inspiring character for Kofi to learn from. Ama is wise beyond her years, empathetic, kind, beautiful, optimistic, and caring. She offers Kofi many pieces of advice, same as Nana Mosi, and she believes in him without any doubt, which helps him believe in himself. Ama lived through the loss of her parents, and she knows hardship and how people can overcome tragedy. This loss as a child has made Ama mature and wise for her age, which is evident when she tells Kofi things like “The lion’s power lies in our fear of him” (165). Despite her struggles, Ama remains positive, often seen laughing, encouraging others, and working hard. She’s also very empathetic and kind; for instance, she chastises Kofi’s cousin for acting like Lower Kwanta’s people are lesser, instead of the same tribe. Ama dreams of making a positive difference in the future; she wants to either take in orphans or become a teacher, goals which Kofi admires. As Kofi’s love interest, she portrays beauty inside and out and is who he hopes to earn the love and affection of, to protect and honor her as his wife.