Keyword Guide · character-analysis

List of A Raisin in the Sun Characters

This guide gives a clear, study-ready list of the main and supporting characters in Lorraine Hansberry’s play. Use it to review relationships, motivations, and themes for quizzes, discussions, and essays.

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The Younger Family (Main Characters)

Walter Lee Younger: An ambitious son and husband who wants financial independence and dignity. His conflict centers on dreams, responsibility, and identity. Lena “Mama” Younger: The moral center of the family. She values faith, family unity, and long-term stability. Ruth Younger: Walter’s wife, practical and tired from daily struggles. She balances realism with hope. Beneatha Younger: Walter’s sister, an aspiring doctor. She explores questions of culture, independence, and purpose.

Extended Family and Close Relationships

Travis Younger: Walter and Ruth’s young son. He represents the future the adults are trying to protect. Joseph Asagai: Beneatha’s Nigerian friend. He encourages cultural pride and self-discovery. George Murchison: Beneatha’s wealthy boyfriend. He values assimilation and material success.

Community and Outside Characters

Karl Lindner: A representative from a white neighborhood association. He introduces the play’s conflict about housing, racism, and choice. Bobo: Walter’s business partner. His actions affect the family’s financial plans.

How to Study Characters Effectively

Group characters by values: tradition vs. change, security vs. risk. Track how each reacts to money and dreams. For essays, connect one character’s decisions to a major theme like identity, family, or the American Dream. For quizzes, remember who represents which viewpoint.

Who is the most important character in A Raisin in the Sun?

Walter Lee Younger is often seen as the central character because much of the conflict revolves around his dreams and decisions.

How many main characters are in the play?

The core focus is on four members of the Younger family: Walter, Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha.

Which character best represents hope for the future?

Travis represents hope, while Beneatha and Mama also symbolize different visions of a better future.

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