A Raisin In The Sun Character Development Essay

A Raisin in the Sun Characters and Plot Development The play A Raisin in the Sun was written by Lorraine Hansberry, it was set in Chicago’s Southside, in the late 40s and 50s. This play exemplifies the hardship of African Americans at the time. There are many conflicts between the people in the Younger family. Out of all of the characters, Mama and Walter influence the plot the most through their dialogue and actions. Mama is the mother of Walter and Beneatha and Walter is the husband of Ruth and the father of Travis.

Mama is one of the main characters that influences the plot because she is the head of the household. Walter said to Mama, “You the head of this family. You run our lives like you want to.” Mama lives with her grown children

Most of Walter’s arguments with his family have been about the $10,000 check. Walter wanted the money to start a liquor store business with his friends Bobo and Willy Harris. He argued with Beneatha about her wanting to become a doctor. He said to her, “Have we figured out yet just how much medical school is going to cost?” He thinks that she shouldn’t pursue being a doctor because the money is going to come out of the insurance check and he wants all of the money for himself. He also argued with Mama about what she should do with her money. Walter said, “Mama, you didn’t go do something with that insurance money, something crazy?” He didn’t want her to spend the money for what she wanted because he wanted the money for himself. Later, when she says that she bought a house, he flipped out. He said, “So that’s the peace and comfort you went out and brought for us today!” Walter thinks that the world revolves aroun him and that everyone should follow his lead because he knows what’s best. He thinks that Mama will just give him the money because he deserves it and no one else does. He said, “Mama-look. Old Willy Harris put everything on paper-.” He thinks that he is entitled to it and whatever he wants should go because he is top dog.

In the play A Raisin in the Sun, Mama and Walter are the two most influential characters that influence the plot the most through their actions, arguments and dialogue. Mama tries to bring the family together despite Walter bringing people apart though his constant bickering and