Death of a Salesman characters

Appears from the start

An aging traveling salesman who returns unexpectedly to his Brooklyn home after becoming too exhausted and distracted to drive safely. He measures success through popularity, personal charm, and material proof, yet his career is failing and his memories increasingly interrupt the present. He places his greatest hopes in his elder son, Biff.

Appears from the start

Willy's devoted wife, who manages their dwindling finances and protects his dignity while seeing his decline more clearly than their sons do. She knows that he has been borrowing money and fears that his car crashes and a hidden rubber hose indicate repeated attempts to end his life.

Appears from the start

Willy and Linda's elder son, now thirty-four, who has drifted among outdoor jobs in the West since leaving school. Once a celebrated high-school athlete, he feels both affection and deep anger toward his father. He returns home uncertain whether to accept the business future Willy imagines or acknowledge that it has never suited him.

Appears from the start

The Lomans' younger son, employed in business and living in his own apartment. Outwardly confident and socially successful, he privately admits to loneliness and pursues women with little regard for commitments. He shares Willy's faith in appearances and eagerly joins Biff's plan for a sporting-goods venture.

Appears from the start

Willy's neighbor and long-time friend, a plainspoken businessman who plays cards with him and quietly lends him money each week. Charley offers practical help without demanding admiration, which makes Willy both dependent on him and resentful of his success.

Appears from the start

Charley's son, remembered as a studious boy who tried to help Biff pass mathematics. As an adult he has become a successful lawyer preparing to argue a case before the Supreme Court, though he remains modest and treats Willy kindly.

Appears from the start

Willy's adventurous elder brother, seen mainly in memories and imagined conversations. He left home young and emerged rich from distant ventures, becoming Willy's symbol of decisive risk and spectacular success. Willy repeatedly seeks his approval when reality becomes difficult.

Appears from the start

A woman in Boston with whom Willy has an affair during his years on the road. In Willy's memories she laughs with him, flatters his importance, and receives stockings from him, while his guilt about the relationship intrudes upon his life with Linda.

First appears in chapter 2

The young head of the company Willy has served for decades and the son of Willy's former employer. Preoccupied with his family and a new wire recorder, he listens to Willy's request for work close to home but evaluates him by his present sales rather than past loyalty.

First appears in chapter 2

A waiter at the restaurant where Biff and Happy arrange to meet Willy. He knows Happy and serves the family during an evening that deteriorates as Biff tries to explain the failure of his business meeting.

First appears in chapter 2

A young woman Happy approaches at the restaurant while waiting for Willy. Happy falsely presents himself and Biff as important businessmen and invites her to join them.