how does the issue of imperialism relate to novel and characters?

Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart as a sharp criticism of imperialism, or the European colonization of countries outside of the European continent (especially Africa and the Americas). The novel also critiques Joseph Conrad’s famous novel, Heart of Darkness, which documented the African natives from an imperialist’s (or white colonizer’s) point of view. Achebe followed Things Fall Apart with two other novels, No Longer At Ease and Arrow of God, both of which also depict the African experience with Europeans.

Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart as a sharp criticism of imperialism, or the European colonization of countries outside of the European continent (especially Africa and the Americas). As imperialism finds its way into the community, the clan begins to lose its independence, and its culture changes accordingly. Okonkwo's character feels this huge sense of loss, and also believes his people are losing their strength. This grieves him deeply because he feels his people are changing (and not for the better).

The novel also depicts the advantages of British imperialism (its benefits). They receive money from trade and education becomes a priority, even their initial concern over "religion" is soon overcome and forgotten.