Structure

The short story “Imitation” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has a chronological structure. The plot follows Nkem, the main character, over an undetermined time, from the moment she finds out about her husband’s mistress to the moment she decides to move back to Lagos.

The beginning of the story introduces Nkem, who finds out from a friend that her husband has a mistress in Lagos: “Nkem is staring at the bulging, slanted eyes of the Benin mask on the living room mantel as she learns about her husband’s girlfriend” (p. 18, ll. 1-2). This first line also presents the main conflict of the story.

As the story develops, several flashbacks help readers understand more about Nkem’s relationship with Obiora. For example, a flashback reveals that the couple has moved to ...