The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams uses characters to not only show a story but also tell it. Characterization is how characters are portrayed and how this is accomplished, such as how an author limits their answers, questions, or observations, for example. An author can also characterize a character through his gestures or speeches. The idea of ​​characterization and how one character's actions can enlighten the audience about the issues surrounding another character is brilliantly illustrated by Williams in his The Glass Menagerie. On the surface level of the play the present problems appear to be rooted in the fact that Laura is "paralysed". and unmarried, however, upon further examination one sees that there are other, deeper issues. Williams writes in his production notes that it is a "memory game" (1041). What is interesting about The Glass Menagerie is the point of whose memory the audience is exposed to. Tom acts as the protagonist because it is his memory that the audience must trust, as a narrator as well as being the man of the house in his father's absence. As the show progresses, we see the relationship and conversations between Tom and his mother Amanda. . In this we see the character of Amanda (not the actor) as bossy, awesome and controlling. Upon further evaluation of Amanda's character, audiences may embrace the fact that she is these things, while recognizing a more admirable aspect of her character. As pointed out in a lecture by Dr. Pearl McHaney, there are lines in the play where it is clear that Amanda is trying to love her children. For example, in scene four during a conversation between Amanda and Tom, Amanda confides, “I never told you…halfway through the paper…point that the title of the play is The Glass.” Menagerie. This title presents different ideas and themes such as the idea that family is so fragile. The menagerie is beautiful on the outside but breaks easily, just like the family. They have hidden secrets and fears. However, when examining the story through a lens focused on characterization and how each character is portrayed, one can draw the conclusion that the title serves as a hint for the audience to pay more attention to Laura as she is the one most closely connected to the menagerie. .Works CitedMcHaney, Pearl A. Lecture on The Glass Menagerie. English 3860-American Drama. Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. June 20, 2006. Williams, Tennessee. The glass menagerie. 1945. Bedford's introduction to drama. 5th ed. Lee A. Jacobus, ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2005. 1041-1069.