The novel begins with Okonkwo's wedding to Ekwefi, which marks the start of his journey and the development of his character.
Throughout the story, several events and milestones unfold over the course of two decades. Okonkwo's rise to prominence, the arrival of the European colonizers, the clash between traditional Igbo culture and the new influences, and the eventual downfall of the protagonist all take place within this timeframe.
The novel concludes with the defeat of the Igbo communities and the tragic end of Okonkwo, bringing the two-decade span of the narrative to a close.