Ezinma was Nwoye's half sister. Both of them share the father of Okonkwo, but Ezinma's mother is Ekwefi; Nwoye's mother is Okonkwo's first wife.
Ezinma wielded great influence over her half-sister Obiageli. Ezinma was older than Obiageli.
Chielo carried Ezinma away.
People assume that Ezinma is special and holds a close relationship with her mother, Ekwefi. They believe she has a strong spirit and resilience due to surviving multiple childhood illnesses. Additionally, some in the community think she may have a strong future ahead based on her intelligence and independence.
In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," it is Okonkwo who follows Chielo and Ezinma during their journey to the Oracle. Okonkwo is Ezinma's father and he accompanies them to the shrine to ensure Ezinma's safety.
Ezinma is told a story by her mother, that of Tortoise and the birds. Unfortunately, it does not contain a song. Ezinma is given the task of telling the next story. Ezinma begins, but is interrupted by Chielo. Ezinma is scared by her and begins to cry. Ezinma is given a piece of fish by her mother. Ezinma is taken by Chielo on her back. Ezinma is shown Agbala, throughout the nine villages and at the cave shrine.
Ezinma was an ogbanje child and Ekwefi is her mother. Since an ogbanje child is on whom dies but comes back to cause the mother pain, this shows that this was what Ezinma was supposed to do. Ezinma is the only child Ekwefi had and this was why. Because she is the only child, Ezinma and Ekwefi are very close.
The priestess crawled out of her cave with her belly to the ground like a snake. With Ezinma on her back, the priestess travelled back to Ezinma's home and placed Ezinma in her own bed to sleep.
Okonkwo treats Ezinma's illness very seriously. He takes his aid of Ezinma very seriously as well.
Ezinma returns to Okonkwo's compound with the help of her mother, Ekwefi, after she falls seriously ill. Ekwefi follows the Oracle's instructions for Ezinma's healing, which involve taking Ezinma to the shrine and administering special herbs. This treatment helps Ezinma recover and return home.
The Oracle of Agbala comes to take Ezinma. She is normally called Chielo.
Ezinma calls her mother by name, not Nne. Ekwefi also allows Ezinma to eat eggs. They talk to each other more as companions. Ekwefi only has one living daughter, so she treasures Ezinma. Ekwefi neurotically worries about Ezinma, as if she might pass away as well.
Okonkwo tries to provide Ezinma with a good education and strong discipline to help her succeed in life. He also shows his care and protection for her by seeking out the medicine man, Chielo, when Ezinma falls sick, showing his dedication to keeping her safe and healthy.