Characters

Tom Wingfield: The narrator and protagonist, who works in a warehouse but dreams of adventure and freedom. He feels trapped by his responsibilities to his family and is torn between staying and leaving.

Amanda Wingfield: Tom and Laura’s mother, a former Southern belle who clings to her memories of youth. She is overbearing. She constantly worries about her children, especially about finding a husband for Laura.

Laura Wingfield: Tom’s shy, physically disabled sister who walks with a limp. She flees into her world of glass animals. She is sensitive, fragile, just like her glass animals.

Jim O'Connor: The "gentleman caller" and Tom’s coworker.

Absent Father: Amanda’s husband and Tom and Laura’s father, who abandoned the family. His presence is felt through a large portrait in the apartment.