What literary technique does Achebe employ to challenge stereotypes about Africans?

Chinua Achebe employs complex character portrayals to challenge stereotypes about Africans, particularly in his seminal work "Things Fall Apart." By developing multifaceted characters with diverse motivations, emotions, and conflicts, Achebe moves beyond simplistic or monolithic representations of African people.

For instance, the protagonist, Okonkwo, is depicted with a blend of strengths and flaws, embodying the struggles faced by individuals within their cultural and historical contexts. This depth encourages readers to see African characters as real people with varied experiences, rather than as mere symbols of a stereotype. Achebe's attention to the intricacies of character also highlights the richness of Igbo culture, thereby further dismantling preconceived notions held by audiences unfamiliar with African societies.

In contrast, techniques like humor and satire, historical recounting, and allegory, while also valuable literary tools, do not as directly confront and complicate stereotypes as the portrayal of complex characters does. Humor may serve to entertain or critique, historical recounting presents context but may not challenge perceptions as directly, and allegory tends to operate on a symbolic level rather than focusing on individual realities. Thus, the emphasis on complex character portrayals is central to Achebe’s challenge to stereotypes.