Final answer:
Okonkwo's best friend in 'Things Fall Apart' is Obierika, who serves as a confidant, philosophical partner, and a supportive figure in the story, distinguishing him from other characters like Ekwefi, Nwoye, and Mr. Brown.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo's best friend is generally considered to be Obierika. Obierika is a character who not only provides material support to Okonkwo during his times of need but also acts as a sounding board and offers philosophical insights, indicating a deep friendship beyond mere acquaintance. Unlike Ekwefi, who is Okonkwo's wife and more of a domestic partner, or Nwoye, Okonkwo's son who disappoints him, Obierika stands out as someone who understands and often questions the customs and traditions of their society, providing a matching intellectual partnership to Okonkwo’s character. This isn't the case with Mr. Brown, who is a British missionary and certainly not considered Okonkwo's friend.