Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

Easily Nigeria’s most influential contemporary writer, the author of Half of A Yellow Sun and The Thing Around Your Neck reveals an impatience with modesty

What is your favourite virtue?

Honesty

What are your favourite qualities in a man?

Kindness

What are your favourite qualities in a woman?

Strength

What would you call your main fault?

My unforgiving nature

What is your favourite occupation?

Teaching

What is your ultimate idea of happiness?

To be surrounded by loved ones

What do you consider the lowest depth of misery?

To be (metaphysically) separated from loved ones

If not yourself, what would you be?

I have no idea as I only know what it feels like to be myself

What’s your favourite flower?

Tulips

Who are your favourite prose authors?

Jamaica Kincaid, Chinua Achebe, William Styron, Ama Ata Aidoo

Your heroes in real life?

Professor James Nwoye Adichie

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Modesty

What is your favourite vice?

The idea of a favourite vice is odd; if I enjoy it then I do not consider it a vice. I own all my pleasures.

What is your present state of mind?

Contemplative

How do you wish to die?

Non-violently. Without knowing.

What natural talent would you like to be gifted with?

Long-distance running.

Your favourite motto?

(Silence) Y!