Tom Wingfield, the main character in The Glass Menagerie, is a frustrated young poet and warehouse worker. He finds no satisfaction at home and also has the burden of supporting his family. He wants to live in freedom without the constant oppression of his mother, Amanda, and sister, Laura. Tom aspires to become a seaman but the family's restrictions prevent it from happening. The only way his goals will become reality is when he escapes his relations. In the play, Tom is portrayed as selfish and motivated by the need to escape the declining household and live a new independent life.

Several justifications describe Tom's strongest character trait. One instance was when Tom paid the dues for The Union of Merchant Seaman instead of paying the utility bill. He wishes to become a sailor and refuses to tell anyone but Jim about his plans. Jim is Tom's colleague...