Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" - Character Overview

Main Characters

Walter Lee Younger

• Age: Mid-30s
• Occupation: Chauffer for a rich white man
• Character Traits:
  • Dissatisfied with current job
  • Desires to be the family’s leader
  • Plans to invest in a liquor store with his mother’s insurance money
  • Embodies the effects of a "dream deferred," as per Langston Hughes
  • Shows significant growth by the end of the play
  • Physical Description: Lean, intense, quick nervous movements, and erratic speech
• Conflict: Gendered conflict with Mama’s role as the family matriarch
• Transformation: Comes into maturity by the play’s end

Mama (Lena Younger)

• Age: Early 60s
• Role: Matriarch of the Younger family
• Traits: Beautiful, strong, optimistic despite hardships
• Background:
  • Widowed before the play starts
  • Husband’s legacy is ever-present
  • Fled racialized violence of the South
  • Values family dignity
• Conflict: Maintains control over the insurance money and family, conflicting with Walter Lee’s ambitions
• Action: Buys a house to improve family’s living conditions

Beneatha Younger

• Relation: Walter’s younger sister
• Traits:
  • Represents modern, educated African Americans
  • Values racial heritage
  • Aspires to attend medical school
• Romantic Interests:
  • George Murchison: Assimilationist views
  • Joseph Asagai: Represents African heritage
• Development: Chooses to embrace African heritage over assimilation

Ruth Younger

• Relation: Walter’s wife
• Traits:
  • Weary, burdened by life’s challenges
  • Works as a cleaning woman
  • Respects Mama, understands Walter’s ambitions
• Development:
  • Initially defeated, but reveals hopes for improvement
  • Faces decision over abortion, ultimately chooses to keep the baby, adding positivity to the narrative

Travis Younger

• Relation: Walter and Ruth’s son
• Traits: Sturdy, handsome, responsible
• Role: Symbolizes hope and future of the Younger family
• Living Situation: Sleeps on the old couch in the family apartment
• Actions: Eager to earn his own money by carrying groceries after school

Themes Explored

• Legacy and Dreams: Examines the impact of deferred dreams on characters
• Family Dynamics: Explores gender roles and family hierarchy
• Cultural Identity: Contrasts assimilation with cultural heritage
• Economic Hardship and Choices: Decisions influenced by financial struggles

Conclusion

"A Raisin in the Sun" presents a rich exploration of African American family life, dreams, and identity, with each character contributing uniquely to these themes. The narrative arc offers a combination of realism and hope, reflecting social issues of the time.