Characters
It is vital that you understand that characters are often used symbolically to express ideas. Tennessee Wiliams uses all of his characters to symbolise various ideas prevalent in his society, and the differences between characters reflect contemporary debates. Therefore, it is very useful not only to learn about each character individually, but how they compare and contrast to other characters in the play.
It is important to consider the range of strategies used by Williams to create and develop characters within A Streetcar Named Desire. These include:
- How characters are established
- How characters are presented:
- Physical appearance or suggestions about this
- Their actions and motives
- What they say and think
- How they interact with others
- What others say and think about them
- How far the characters conform to or subvert stereotypes
- Their relationships to other characters
Below you will find character profiles of:
Main characters
Other characters
Exam Tip
In the exam, the idea of a character as a conscious construct should be evident throughout your response. You should demonstrate a firm understanding that Williams has deliberately created these characters to perform certain functions within the play.
For instance, you could begin to consider why Williams has chosen to present Blanche in the way that he does. Consider her costumes and mannerisms, as well as what she says. As this is a play, an exploration of dramatic form is also essential to a study of her character. Consider the music often playing in the background when Blanche is feeling particularly stressed or unstable. Try to explore reasons as to why Williams may have chosen to do this and what it might suggest about the character.