Willy Loman

Willy Loman is the protagonist of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” He is a struggling salesman in his sixties who is disillusioned with the American Dream. Willy’s character embodies the themes of failure and the relentless pursuit of success. His mental state deteriorates throughout the play, leading to moments of confusion between reality and his memories. Willy’s tragic flaw is his inability to accept the truth about his life and the lives of his family, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

Linda Loman

Linda Loman is Willy’s devoted wife, who represents loyalty and support throughout the play. She is often seen as the emotional anchor for Willy, trying to keep the family together amidst the chaos of their lives. Linda’s character highlights the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, as she sacrifices her own desires for the sake of her husband and children. Her unwavering belief in Willy’s dreams and her attempts to protect him from the harsh realities of life illustrate the complexities of love and sacrifice.

Happy Loman

Happy Loman, the younger son of Willy and Linda, is characterized by his superficial charm and relentless pursuit of pleasure. He works in a department store but is dissatisfied with his life, often seeking validation through women and material success. Happy’s character represents the younger generation’s struggle to find their identity in a world dominated by their parents’ expectations. His desire to please his father and gain his approval drives much of his actions, ultimately leading to a sense of emptiness and unfulfilled potential.

Biff Loman

Biff Loman, the elder son of Willy and Linda, is a complex character who grapples with his father’s unrealistic expectations. Initially, Biff is a promising athlete with dreams of success, but he becomes disillusioned after discovering Willy’s infidelity. This revelation leads to a profound identity crisis, as Biff struggles to reconcile his father’s dreams with his own desires. Throughout the play, Biff’s journey represents the search for authenticity and self-acceptance, culminating in a confrontation with Willy about their conflicting visions of success.

Charley

Charley is Willy’s neighbor and a successful businessman who represents the antithesis of Willy’s character. He is pragmatic and grounded, often offering Willy financial assistance and advice. Charley’s character serves as a foil to Willy, highlighting the differences between their approaches to life and success. Despite their contrasting personalities, Charley remains a loyal friend to Willy, showcasing the importance of friendship and support in times of struggle.

Bernard

Bernard is Charley’s son and serves as a contrasting figure to Biff Loman. He is academically inclined and ultimately becomes a successful lawyer, embodying the values of hard work and dedication. Bernard’s character highlights the theme of success through diligence rather than charm or popularity. His relationship with Biff evolves throughout the play, reflecting the impact of parental expectations and the different paths that individuals can take in pursuit of their dreams.

Ben Loman

Ben Loman is Willy’s deceased brother, who appears in Willy’s hallucinations as a symbol of success and the American Dream. He is portrayed as a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in Africa, representing the idealized version of success that Willy aspires to achieve. Ben’s character serves as a reminder of Willy’s failures and the unattainable nature of his dreams. Through his interactions with Willy, Ben highlights the theme of regret and the consequences of chasing an elusive ideal.

Miss Forsythe and Letta

Miss Forsythe and Letta are two women who represent the fleeting nature of happiness and the superficiality of relationships in the play. They are introduced during a scene in which Happy tries to impress them, showcasing his desire for validation and acceptance. Their characters emphasize the theme of illusion versus reality, as they embody the distractions that Willy and his sons pursue in their attempts to escape their problems. Ultimately, they serve as a reminder of the emptiness that often accompanies the pursuit of superficial desires.

The Woman

The Woman is a character from Willy’s past who represents his infidelity and the consequences of his actions. She appears in Willy’s memories, highlighting his internal struggles and guilt. The Woman’s presence serves as a catalyst for Biff’s disillusionment with his father, as he discovers the truth about Willy’s betrayal. Her character underscores the themes of betrayal, guilt, and the impact of personal choices on family dynamics, ultimately contributing to the tragic trajectory of the Loman family.