Death of a Salesman

A weary traveling salesman whose mind constantly drifts between memory and present reality. He clings to a grand dream of success and social standing, even as his abilities and opportunities diminish. His flashbacks to past glories reveal a man trying to live up to an ideal rather than face concrete limits. His eventual death exposes the fragility of the dream he pursues.

Willy's son who once showed promise but has since become disillusioned with his father’s expectations. He struggles with accepting his own ordinary path and with his father’s insistence on grandiose plans. He attempts to tell Willy the truth, yet fears breaking the father-son bond. His actions are driven by a desire to find something real amid shattered dreams.

Willy's younger son, outwardly cheerful and ambitious but often superficial and self-deluding. He chases quick wins and social approval while avoiding deep responsibility. Happy supports the family’s facade, echoing his father's dreams without confronting the underlying emptiness. He represents the alluring but hollow aspirational path the family navigates.

Willy's devoted wife who tries to hold the family together with care and practical support. She acts as a stabilizing force, defending Willy while also sensing the fragility of his dreams. Linda confronts the boys when necessary and bears the emotional weight of Willy's decline. Her loyalty anchors the family through mounting crisis.

The practical neighbor who offers blunt, rational support and financial assistance when Willy falters. He represents a rational counterpoint to Willy’s fantasies and often serves as a voice of reason. Charley’s straightforwardness highlights the gap between Willy’s dreams and workable solutions.

Charley’s son, now a successful lawyer who embodies disciplined achievement. He stands in contrast to Willy and Biff, reminding them of the path that leads to tangible success. Bernard's success underscores the gap between expectations and outcomes within the family.

One of the women Willy's sons pick up, featured in a restaurant scene that exposes the casual social dynamics surrounding the Lomans. She represents a fleeting, shallow form of companionship that contrasts with deeper family ties. Her presence underscores the emptiness Willy seeks to fill through status and social life.

The other woman in the restaurant, another ephemeral connection that underscores the superficial aspects of Willy's world. Her presence adds to the sense of personal emptiness that pervades the family’s interactions. Letta's role is primarily to illustrate the social milieu surrounding the Lomans.

Willy's deceased older brother and idol, who appears in flashbacks as a symbol of fearless fortune and possibility. Ben embodies the wealth and risk Willy associates with success, serving as a tempting but unattainable memory. His presence sharpens Willy's longing for a fatherly endorsement of his dreams.

A coworker shown in Charley’s world, representing the routine, procedural side of business life. His presence is part of the backdrop that contrasts with Willy’s grand visions. Stanley helps situate Willy within a more ordinary corporate environment.

A minor character encountered in Boston who appears in the backstory surrounding Willy’s past and relationships. Her role is to provide context for the choices Willy made during his sales trips. She contributes to the memory-driven perspective that shapes Willy's present state.