Death Of A Salesman - Minor Characters Essay - 565 Words

In the play Death of a Salesman, the plot is affected by three minor characters: Ben, Charley and Howard. The minor characters help the storys protagonist, Willy, develop extensively throughout the course of the play; therefore, they are key elements in the advancing story line. This story line blends and contrasts Willys closest companions, Ben and Charley. They represent two aspects of Willys ideals. Howard, Willys boss, functions in order to heighten the destruction of Willys dream. The characters Ben, Charley and Howard are influential in the plays outcome and help develop the main character, Willy. Ben is a figment of Willys imagination who represents his idealistic view of prosperity. Ben is symbolic of the success of the†¦show more content†¦The failure of Willys ideals are again represented with his envious attitude towards Charley. quot;You been jealous of me all your life, you damned fool!quot;(98). Charley is successful due to hard work and this has angered Willy because it is contrary to his beliefs. The failure of Willy Lomans ideals are apparent because of the success of his closest friend, Charley. Howards character functions in order to represent the bitter reality from which the protagonists tries to escape. The reality of the situation is presented before Willy when he is fired by Howard. quot;No, but its a business, kid, and everybodys gotta pull his own weightquot;(80). Howard explains to Willy that, contrary to his beliefs, the business world is a harsh environment void of compassion and preference. Howard increases the mood of the play when he reveals the desperation of Willys situation. quot;Sure, theyre only a hundred and a half. You cant do without itquot;(78). Howard is very capable of purchasing the machine of which he speaks; however, Willy is far from being able to accomplish such a purchase. The impression of Willys failure is heightened through his dealings with Howard. Through the actions of the minor characters in Death of a Salesman, Willy Lomans character develops throughout the play. These minor characters, Ben,Show MoreRelated Minor Characters Impact on Willy Loman in Arthur Millers play, Death of a Salesman471 Words   |  2 PagesMinor Characters Impact on Willy Loman in Arthur Millers play, Death of a Salesman In the Arthur Miller play Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman comes in contact with several characters, many of whom prompt him to examine his past as well as his conscience. Charleys son Bernard is such a character. Lacking dimension and depth of character, Bernard functions primarily as a foil to expose Willys tragic and pathetic nature. 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