The Been to Character

The Been to Character

The been to character is a literary archetype found in postcolonial literature, particularly in African and Caribbean narratives. This term refers to a the person who has traveled to a foreign, often Western, country (usually for work or education) and then returned to their homeland. Their experiences abroad shape their identity and traits of character, often creating an internal conflict between their native culture and the Western values they have adopted.

Characteristics of “the Been To Character”

1. Cultural Duality – The character struggles with belonging to both their native and foreign cultures, often feeling alienated from both.
2. Identity Crisis – After exposure to Western education and ideals, they may question their traditional beliefs, leading to internal and external conflicts.
3. Social Tensions – Their return often brings clashes with their community, as they may be seen as too “Westernized” or out of touch with local traditions.
4. Political and Intellectual Influence – Many “been to characters” become reformers or critics of colonial and postcolonial systems, advocating change based on their experiences abroad.
5. Ambiguity and Disillusionment – While some admire Western ideas, others realize the flaws of both worlds, leading to frustration or a quest for a hybrid identity.

Examples in Literature

• Obi Okonkwo in No Longer at Ease (Chinua Achebe) – A Nigerian educated in England, Obi struggles with corruption and cultural expectations upon returning home.
• Eustace in The Mimic Men (V.S. Naipaul) – A Caribbean man educated in England who feels displaced both in the West and his homeland.

The been to character highlights themes of colonial influence, cultural hybridity, and identity crises in postcolonial literature.

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