How to Write a Highly Engaging Novel Set in Ancient Nigerian

If you are one of the many people who have been wondering how great literary icons like Chinua Achebe, and how he wrote his ground-breaking novel, Things Fall Apart, now you have the outline before you. Study each of the headings. Follow it and see yourself firing in all cylinders in the literary world.

1. Introduction to the Setting and Era of the Novel

• Time Period: Choose a specific period in ancient Nigerian history, such as the pre-colonial era during the height of the Oyo Empire, the Igbo Umunna system, or the Kanem-Bornu Kingdom.
• Cultural Details: Highlight daily life, traditional governance systems, spiritual beliefs, and socio-economic activities (e.g., farming, trade, craftwork).
• Geographical Setting: Depict vivid landscapes, like dense rainforests, expansive savannahs, rivers, or ancient walled cities.
• Opening Scene: Begin with a dramatic or mysterious event, such as the disappearance of a revered village elder, the discovery of an ominous artifact, or a ritual gone awry.

You might want to know one great thing stupid Christians don’t have. Check this out.

2. Introduction of Key Characters of the Novel

• Protagonist:
  • A dynamic and relatable character with a personal flaw or tragic backstory (e.g., an orphaned warrior, a banished healer, or a misunderstood seer).
  • Their motivation should tie to the central plot (e.g., seeking justice, redemption, or uncovering the truth).
• Antagonist:
  • A powerful figure (e.g., a corrupt chief, a rival clan leader, or a feared sorcerer) with hidden motives and deep connections to the mystery.
  • Ensure they have layers of complexity—villains with understandable but conflicting goals.
• Supporting Characters:
  • A loyal friend or ally (e.g., a trusted hunter, a witty griot).
  • A mysterious informant or double agent.
  • A love interest with secrets that add depth to the protagonist’s journey.

3. The Inciting Incident

• Trigger Event: A shocking or tragic event that disrupts the protagonist’s world should appear in the novel, such as:
  • The murder of a royal heir.
  • A catastrophic betrayal during an inter-village alliance.
  • A foreboding prophecy tied to a celestial event.
• Initial Reaction: The community’s response—panic, blame, division—sets the stage for the protagonist’s involvement.

4. The Mystery and Rising Suspense

• Clues and Red Herrings:
  • Introduce cryptic symbols, coded messages in traditional art forms, or oral histories.
  • Include false leads to misdirect the protagonist and reader.
• Conflict Escalation:
  • Skirmishes between clans or internal disputes within the protagonist’s village.
  • Encounters with supernatural forces or forbidden spiritual practices.
• Subplots:
  • Personal dilemmas that challenge the protagonist (e.g., a family curse, betrayal by a close ally).
  • Political intrigue or power struggles.

5. The Climax

• Unraveling the Mystery:
  • The protagonist discovers the true mastermind and their motive.
  • A dramatic confrontation, possibly during a public event like a festival or trial.
• Shocking Revelation:
  • A twist that changes the stakes—e.g., the protagonist’s family is implicated, or the antagonist is a former ally.
• High-Stakes Showdown:
  • Combine action (e.g., physical combat or a strategic battle) with psychological tension.

6. The Tragic Resolution

• Sacrifice or Loss:
  • A major character dies or is permanently altered (e.g., exiled, spiritually scarred).
• Bittersweet Victory:
  • The protagonist achieves their goal but at a significant cost.
  • Their worldview is irrevocably changed, reflecting the tragedy.

ATTENTION: Take a brief review of the novel here. The outline in this post guided its construction. It’s already causing waves.

7. Denouement and Cultural Reflection

• Wrap-Up:
  • Show how the community heals or remains fractured.
  • Highlight any lasting impact of the events on the protagonist.
• Cultural Legacy:
  • Conclude with a griot or elder recounting the tale as a cautionary story for future generations.

8. Themes to Explore

• Betrayal and Trust: The thin line between allies and enemies.
• Tradition vs. Change: Struggles between ancient customs and emerging ideas.
• Power and Corruption: The allure and danger of authority.
• Spirituality and Fate: The influence of gods, spirits, and destiny on human lives.

9. Tips for Immersion and Engagement

• Language and Style:
  • Use proverbs, folklore, and traditional Nigerian idioms to enrich dialogue and narrative.
• Symbolism:
  • Incorporate cultural symbols, rituals, and metaphors to add layers of meaning.
• Pacing:
  • Balance fast-paced action scenes with slower, reflective moments.
• Suspense Techniques:
  • End chapters with cliffhangers or unresolved questions.
  • Reveal secrets gradually, building anticipation.

This outline ensures your thriller remains deeply rooted in ancient Nigerian culture while delivering suspense, tragedy, and emotional depth.

About The Author