Character sketch in Death of a Sailsman

Willy Loman- An old man who let's the burdens of the world get to him. His father's absence during his growing up has lead him to have a constant longing for his father, or his father's lifestyle, or what his father would have wanted him to be like. He is caught up in the American dream of the meaning of accomplishment- establishing easy life, and easy lifestyle. His not achieving this bothers him beyond what he recognizes. He is fragile but his ego causes him to come off as stern and even harsh. From his beginning, he has always pressured his sons into belief in the American dream and his dream crumbles and he can be observed going crazy.

Linda- a woman who loves her husband whole heartedly. She is very submissive and does not necessarily take things on, rather she is passive and chooses to let them pass. Coming across as soft spoken, she was very tolerant of the things she saw in her husband and children that she should have corrected.

Biff- A young man who has grown up being the favourite child of his father. He was always prized and somewhat spoilt by his father and at the same time, it placed pressure on him to become what his father was trying to make of him- a living testimony of the American dream. He, like his father does not accomplish this dream and he finds himself lost in the world, unsure of the next step he should take as a grown man in life.

Happy- Has always lived in the shadow of his father and brother and so, this pushed him into accomplishing more than his brother, however, they both maintain a good relationship. He looks up to his brother and demonstrates belief in the wrong things, like having many girls. This is one reason why he looked up to his brother. He does not openly portray his unhappiness at being in the shadow of his father and brother, but even being more accomplished that him, he is unsure of his next step in life, where the American dream is going to take him.

Ben- the brother of Willy. He symbolizes wealth and time, two key aspects of the American dream. In the eyes of Willy as well as the audience, he has accomplished the American dream. He is rich without having to work hard for it, he speaks like one who does not worry about other aspects of life, like family and true fulfillment in the things which are not tangible. Willy seeks to be like him.

Bernard- the representation of the opposite of what Willy believes. He is the true image of a successful person, withstanding criticisms from Willy, endeavouring in school as well as caring for others. In his young years, he is a bookworm, living next door to the Lomans and constantly persists for Biff to do better in school etc. He allows for an avenue to see how Willy operates with regards to his sons, not valuing education and taking his sons mistakes against morality seriously.