Nervous Conditions Characters Analysis

Tambudzai “Tambu”: Protagonist of “Nervous Conditions,” a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in rural Africa.  

Nhamo: Tambu’s older brother. He assumes all privileges, as the son, and the eldest child. His death finally allows doors to open for Tambu’s further education.  

Netsai, Rambanai, Dambudzo: Tambu’s younger siblings.

Ma’Shingayi, aka Mainini: Tambu’s mother.  

Jeremiah: Tambu’s father. Foolish and generally lazy, he disapproves even of Tambu’s aspirations for education.  

Grandmother: Tambu’s grandmother, on her father’s side.

Babamukuru: Tambu’s uncle, brother of Jeremiah. He is well-educated, and is the headmaster of the mission school that Tambu attends.  

Maiguru: Tambu’s aunt, wife of Babamukuru. Educated and professional, with the courage to step out of societal norms for her culture.  

Anna: Maiguru’s servant girl.  

Nyasha: Tambu’s cousin; the daughter of Babamukuru and Maiguru. Her teenage rebellion and attraction to boys leads to conflicts with her family.  

Chido: Tambu’s cousin; the son of Babamukuru and Maiguru. He is educated by whites, and tends to reject traditional lifestyles.

Lucia: Tambu’s aunt; sister of Ma’shingayi. She is promiscuous, and outspoken, rebelling against traditional female roles.  

Takeshure: cousin of Babamukuru and Jeremiah. He has many wives, but is unable to support them due to his lazy and foolish nature.  

Mr. Matimba: Kindly teacher who helps Tambu sell her corn.