Transparent BeautyElisabeth Kubler-Ross describes people, particularly the Wingfield family, as "stained glass." They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is only revealed when there is a light within. Across the room, Laura Wingfield's beauty is obscured by her crippled appearance and glass figurines. However, Amanda Wingfield's beauty is hidden by her nostalgic and controlling past. Amanda's son and Laura's brother, Tom, find his bright dreams and future shattered by the regret of abandonment. Throughout the play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, the reader is tested and persuaded by the three main characters to be the protagonist of the 1945 play. To begin with, the audience may be left with the impression that Amanda Wingfield, the mother of Tom and Laura Winfield, is the protagonist due to her developed personality. While critics would consider Tom to be the central character as he is the narrator of the play. Finally, the reader can view Laura as the protagonist because of her ability to change throughout the play. Essentially, depending on interpretations, each of these three characters is a possible protagonist. First, some readers feel that Amanda Wingfield is the best choice as the protagonist. It is very possible that Amanda is the main character because of her ability and reasons for acting. Amanda is a flat character who tries to ensure that her daughter, Laura, has "plans and arrangements" to keep her from "[drifting] idly" (34). Amanda may be the center of attention because she has the most to lose and the most to gain. Amanda is nostalgic for her past, when men met her every need. Amanda wants to rely on a man to take care of Tom's "single, infirm and unemployed sister" (96)....... middle of paper ......, and the importance of her actions . However, Amanda is not the protagonist due to her negative characteristics, pessimistic reasons, and selfish behavior. Tom is another candidate as the protagonist as he narrates the play, bringing out his thoughts throughout the performance. But he is not the protagonist because he chooses to abandon his family for his own selfish reasons. Some people think Laura is the protagonist because she is the most susceptible to change and is the center of ongoing conflicts. Laura is indeed the best choice as the protagonist because she breaks her wall and becomes a sophisticated woman. Tennessee Williams gave protagonist qualities to all the main characters to allow the audience to be independent readers. Critics deciphered the difference between three main characters to determine the best-suited protagonist.