Amanda Wingfield is the overly-doting mother of Laura and Tom. She had been deserted by her husband. Amanda is a lonely woman who lives only for her children and wants to see them prosper in life.

Laura is the elder of Amanda's children. She is a slightly crippled, shy and nervous individual. Laura lives in her world of glass animals and feels as though she is ill-equipped to face the world.

Tom is Amanda's son and the narrator of the play. He loves going to the movies. Tom is torn between his poetic inclinations and the responsibility of supporting a deserving mother and an elder, unmarried sister. He works for a shoe company and is the only breadwinner in the house.

The relationship between Amanda and Laura is marked by incessant nagging. Amanda treats her daughter like a baby. She is of the view that Laura should remain...