Niru - The protagonist, a Nigerian-American high school senior living in Washington D.C. He is gay, which is unacceptable to his conservative Nigerian parents. He struggles with reconciling his sexuality with his family's expectations and cultural values.

Meredith - Niru's best friend, a white girl from a prominent Washington family. She is initially unaware of Niru's sexuality but becomes his confidante. Their friendship is strained as Niru grapples with coming out.

Niru's Father - A strict, authoritarian figure who adheres to traditional Nigerian Christian values. When he discovers Niru is gay, he responds with violence and attempts to "cure" him through spiritual means.

Niru's Mother - While initially more tolerant than Niru's father, she eventually also rejects Niru's sexuality due to her cultural beliefs.

Damien - A romantic interest Niru meets later in the novel, representing a potential acceptance of his true self.

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Coming-of-Age and Sexual Identity
The central theme is Niru's journey of self-discovery as a gay Nigerian-American teenager. The novel follows his struggle to come to terms with his sexuality and gain self-acceptance in the face of homophobia from his conservative Nigerian parents.

Family and Cultural Clashes
Niru's revelation of being gay causes a break with his deeply religious and traditional Nigerian parents, highlighting the generational and cultural divides between them. His parents force him into conversion therapy, unable to accept his sexuality.

Race and Immigration Experience
As a first-generation Nigerian immigrant in the U.S., Niru grapples with issues of racial identity, societal expectations, and the pressures his parents face to prove themselves in their adopted country. The novel provides insights into the complexities of the immigrant experience.

Father-Son Relationship
A poignant thread running through the narrative is the irregular bond between Niru and his overbearing father. Their relationship is strained by Niru's sexuality, which his father views as a moral failing, leading to emotional abuse and rejection.

While tackling heavy themes, "Speak No Evil" is ultimately a powerful coming-of-age story that explores the nuances of identity, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth from traditional backgrounds.

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The novel has been generally well-received for its powerful exploration of complex social issues and its portrayal of the intersectionality of identity. Critics have praised Iweala's prose style and his ability to delve into sensitive topics with empathy and nuance.

Overall, "Speak No Evil" has been noted for its poignant portrayal of the challenges of being true to oneself while negotiating cultural, familial, and societal pressures. It offers a thought-provoking perspective on issues of race, sexuality, and acceptance, making it a significant work in contemporary literature.

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