A Raisin in the Sun:
Walter
Walter is a chauffeur and aspiring business owner in his mid-30s.
He follows current events in the civil rights movement and is
unhappy in his job working for a rich white man. He's the main
character, or protagonist, of the play and goes through the most
significant change. He's lean and fidgety, and he has an
emotional, outspoken, passionate personality. His relationship
with his wife, Ruth, is alternately loving and antagonistic.
Walter expresses a need to provide for his family, especially for
his son Travis, and to become the man and authority of the
house. Walter's ambition drives much of the plot. He pursues his
goal both selfishly—imagining himself becoming a rich
businessman in an office—and out of concern for his family.
Mama
In her early 60s, Mama is a beautiful, gracious woman with "wit
and faith." She speaks with a soft voice and tends to "wander
conversationally." Mama lost her husband, Big Walter, before the
play takes place. The cause of Big Walter's death is implied to be
work related. Mama once worked outside the home for a white
family but doesn't work any longer. Mama is devoted to her
family and to her religious faith. She struggles to understand
Walter and Beneatha. When Mama notices the confusion and
ambition of her two children, she worries that they're changing
for the worse and that her family is growing apart. Despite being
widowed and living in poverty, Mama remains an optimist.
Beneatha
Beneatha is Walter's younger sister. Like her brother she has a
lean figure and an intensely emotional personality. She
represents a new generation of African Americans, smart and
