The Glass Menagerie

Main Characters and Their Development

• Amanda Wingfield - The matriarch of the family, living in the past and dreaming of a better life for her children. She constantly reminisces about her youth and suitors, reflecting her longing for lost luxury and security. Her character develops through her attempts to control her children's lives, leading to conflicts and tension within the family.
• Tom Wingfield - Amanda's son, who works in a warehouse and dreams of freedom and adventure. He feels trapped by his responsibility to the family and yearns to escape this life. His internal conflict between duty and personal desires is a key aspect of his development.
• Laura Wingfield - Amanda's daughter, a shy and reclusive girl with a physical disability. She finds comfort in her collection of glass figurines, which symbolizes her fragility and vulnerability. Laura develops through her interaction with Jim O'Connor, which temporarily awakens hope and confidence in her.
• Jim O'Connor - A former classmate of Tom and Laura, invited to dinner at the Wingfield home. He symbolizes reality and hope for Laura, but ultimately his visit leads to disappointment as he is revealed to be engaged. Jim represents the contrast between dreams and reality.