Characterization

Amanda- I think that it is almost unfair the way Amanda is portrayed in the story. Because this is a memory, we can assume that Tom is a little biased. Most children, though they love their parents, believe their parents to be overprotective, annoying, and strict. Throughout the play, Tom gives the impression that Amanda is all of the above. However, there were several moments in the play when Amanda said things such as "I pray for my wonderful children" that make her sound much more sympathetic and loving. Every memory Tom presents of his mother is one in which she is trying desperately to put on a show and be someone she is not. This is especially evident when Tom invites Jim to the apartment and Amanda cleans/ transforms the home. She tries to charm Jim with her southern hospitality.
Laura- Laura, from what Tom reveals to us, seems very shy. She is nervous and anxious around strangers. Tom seems very protective of Laura. He tries to reason with his mother that she may not be cut out to be somebodies wife and that is okay. In the end of the story, Tom makes it out of his home- but he brings Laura with him. She is very dependent and oblivious to many things around her. as Tom says, she lives in her own little world with her glass ornaments.
Tom- There really is very little to say about Tom. All we really know is that he is ambitious and looking for adventure. Throughout the story there is some questioning in whether Tom goes to the movies every night or whether he goes out to drink. I think that, because he goes out to drink almost every night, his memory is impaired, and therefore many of the things mentioned in this story may not be how they appear to be to Tom.