Williams, Tennessee: 1911-1983
The Glass Menagerie, 1944 - Characters
- Amanda Wingfield: The mother of Tom and Laura, Amanda is a faded Southern belle who lives in the past, often reminiscing about her youth and the many suitors she once had. She is overbearing and anxious about her children's futures, particularly Laura's.
Tom Wingfield: Amanda's son and Laura's brother, Tom is the narrator of the play and a central character. He works at a warehouse to support the family but feels trapped and dreams of escaping his stifling home life. He is a poet at heart and eventually leaves the family.
Laura Wingfield: Amanda's daughter and Tom's sister, Laura is a shy, fragile young woman with a physical disability (a limp from a childhood illness). She retreats into her own world, symbolized by her collection of glass animals, and struggles with social interaction and self-esteem.
Jim O’Connor: Known as the "gentleman caller," Jim is a friend and coworker of Tom’s who is invited to dinner at the Wingfield home. He is an optimistic, outgoing man who represents the outside world and a potential suitor for Laura. He unknowingly affects Laura deeply during his visit.
Developed by AI - Characters from Spark Notes
- Amanda – Character Analysis: Who is Amanda? This essay answers the question. It analyzes Amanda’s character