The Glass Menagerie: Characterization

     In Tennessee Williams' play The Glass Menagerie, the characterization of the characters is very important.  Williams characterizes each character differently.  Amanda is controlling and very dramatic.  She is upset with her failed marriage and tries to relive her life through her children's lives.  This is shown when she dresses up in her old dress from her courting days.  Williams characterizes them through their actions.  Tom has big dreams and wants adventure in his life.  He also does not like the structure of society and he wants freedom.  This is shown when he talks to Jim about wanting an adventure and when he talks about how he wants to be like his father.  Laura is crippled and very shy.  She becomes very anxious about other people and hardly comes outside.  Her fragility is shown through her fixation on her glass menagerie.  She yells, " 'My glass!' " when Tom accidently breaks a few pieces (Williams, 1248).