A Raisin in the Sun Character List

Questions and Answers

Who is Walter Younger?

A doctor

A teacher

A main character and Lena's son (correct)

A neighbor

Who is Ruth Younger?

Walter's wife and mother of Travis

What does Lena (Mama) Younger do with the life insurance check?

Uses part of it for a down payment on a house

What is Beneatha Younger pursuing in college?

To become a doctor Signup and view all the answers

How old is Travis Younger?

10 years old Signup and view all the answers

Who is George Murchison?

Beneatha's college friend who wants to marry her Signup and view all the answers

What does Asagai propose to Beneatha?

To marry him and move to Nigeria Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Johnson known for?

Being a nosy neighbor Signup and view all the answers

What does Karl Lindner offer to the Youngers?

To buy their house for more money than they paid Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the money that Walter and Willy planned to use?

Willy runs off with all the money Signup and view all the answers

Who tells Walter and his family about Willy's actions?

Bobo Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Overview in "A Raisin in the Sun"

Walter Younger: Central character, son of Lena, husband to Ruth, and father to Travis; dreams of owning a liquor store while working as a chauffeur.
Ruth Younger: Walter's wife and mother to Travis; faces unexpected pregnancy and desires to move into a new home.
Lena (Mama) Younger: Matriarch of the Younger family; mother to Walter and Beneatha; receives life insurance from her deceased husband, Big Walter, and intends to use it for a house deposit.

Family Dynamics

Beneatha Younger: Walter's sister and aspiring doctor; struggles with her cultural identity while juggling relationships with two suitors, George and Asagai.
Travis Younger: The young son of Walter and Ruth; currently sleeping on cushions in the living room and is resourceful, seeking ways to earn money.

Relationships and Influences

George Murchison: College peer of Beneatha; comes from affluence and has traditional expectations for Beneatha's behavior in their potential marriage.
Asagai: Another college friend of Beneatha from Nigeria; critiques her assimilation into American culture; proposes marriage and a life in Nigeria for her to practice medicine.

Community Interactions

Mrs. Johnson: Overly inquisitive neighbor who provides the Youngers with information about local racial tensions, specifically a bombing in their prospective neighborhood.
Karl Lindner: The story’s sole white character; represents the Clybourne Park Improvement Association; attempts to dissuade the Youngers from moving into their new house by offering to buy it back for a profit.

Betrayal and Friendship

Willy Harris: Walter's accomplice in the liquor store venture; betrays Walter by absconding with their investment money.
Bobo: Another friend of Walter; shares the shocking news that Willy has run off with their money, leading to a significant turning point for the Younger family.

Description

Test your knowledge of the characters in 'A Raisin in the Sun' with these flashcards. Learn about their relationships, dreams, and struggles as you dive into this classic play. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike!