Death of a Salesman Character Flashcards

Study Notes

Characters in "Death of a Salesman"

Willy Loman: An insecure traveling salesman who embodies the American Dream, believing in easy success and wealth that he never attains.
Biff Loman: Willy's thirty-four-year-old son who was a high school football star but failed math and could not graduate. His early promise resulted in unfulfilled potential.
Linda Loman: Willy's devoted wife who endures his unrealistic dreams and delusions, constantly supporting her husband despite his failures.
Happy Loman: The thirty-two-year-old younger son of Willy. He has lived in Biff's shadow and engages in unethical business practices, often acting on impulse and desire.
Charley: Willy's neighbor and a successful businessman, whose achievements invoke jealousy in Willy. Charley's son Bernard is a respected lawyer.
Bernard: A successful lawyer and Charley's son, who was initially mocked by Willy for being studious, highlighting the contrast between hard work and Willy's ideals.
Ben: Willy's deceased older brother, who represents missed opportunities for success in Willy's life. He appears in Willy's daydreams as a symbol of the success Willy craves.
The Woman: Willy's mistress during Biff's high school years, who fulfills Willy's need for validation. Biff's discovery of Willy with her leads to a significant loss of faith in his father.
Howard Wagner: Willy's employer, who inherited the business. Willy admired Howard's father, seeing him as a "masterful man" and "a prince," but struggles with Howard's lack of loyalty.
Stanley: A waiter at Frank's Chop House who serves as a minor character reflecting the social environment where the Loman family interacts.
Miss Forsythe and Letta: Two young women whom Happy and Biff encounter at Frank's Chop House, representing the fleeting connections the brothers seek.
Jenny: Charley’s secretary, representing the mundane aspects of business life in contrast to the Loman family's struggles.

Description

Test your knowledge of the key characters in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman'. This quiz includes definitions and insights into the lives and struggles of Willy Loman, Biff Loman, and more. Ideal for students studying American literature or theater.