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22 Jan 2026

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Character Analysis in AQA: A Streetcar Named Desire

Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" centres around complex characters... Show more

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# A street cat named desire - characters

## Main characters

Although many of the characters have key parts in the production,
these charac

Main Characters

Ever wondered how a playwright creates characters so real they feel like people you might actually know? Williams crafts three unforgettable protagonists whose relationships drive this intense drama.

Blanche DuBois appears sophisticated on the surface, but she's actually falling apart inside. Her past traumas have left her mentally fragile, and she struggles to adapt from the genteel Old South to the harsh realities of modern life. Ironically, her name means "white from the wood," suggesting purity - which she definitely isn't.

Stella Kowalski is Blanche's younger sister who's torn between loyalty to her family and devotion to her husband. Despite Stanley's violent behaviour, she remains physically attracted to him. Unfortunately, her dependence on men leaves her powerless to control her own life.

Stanley Kowalski embodies the American Dream as a Polish immigrant's son, but he's also brutally aggressive. His violent and sexual nature both attracts and repels those around him. He becomes obsessed with Stella's aristocratic background and feels cheated when he discovers there's no inheritance.

Key Point: These three characters represent the clash between old Southern values and new American realities.

# A street cat named desire - characters

## Main characters

Although many of the characters have key parts in the production,
these charac

Supporting Characters

The minor characters aren't just background noise - they're carefully chosen to reflect the main themes and relationships you'll need to analyse.

Mitch Mitchell offers hope as Blanche's potential love interest because he's gentler than Stanley's other mates. He's caring for his dying mother, which shows his sensitive side. However, when he learns about Blanche's scandalous past, his feelings change dramatically.

Steve and Eunice Hubbell are the upstairs neighbours who mirror Stanley and Stella's toxic relationship. Steve's abuse of Eunice foreshadows what might happen to Stella, making their presence quite sinister despite seeming ordinary.

Allan Grey haunts the entire play despite being dead. As Blanche's first husband, his suicide after she discovered his homosexuality explains her current mental state. The Varsouviana music that plays throughout represents her guilt and trauma.

Key Point: Even dead characters like Allan Grey influence the living characters' actions and mental states.

# A street cat named desire - characters

## Main characters

Although many of the characters have key parts in the production,
these charac

Additional Characters

Don't overlook these smaller roles - they reveal crucial aspects of the main characters' personalities and motivations.

Pablo Gonzales represents Stanley's working-class poker group, emphasising the masculine, rough world that Blanche finds so threatening. His presence reinforces the play's exploration of class differences.

The Young Man appears briefly but triggers a significant response from Blanche. Her inappropriate attraction to him reveals her insecurity about ageing and hints at the scandal involving her student that destroyed her teaching career.

Shep Huntleigh exists mainly in Blanche's fantasies as a wealthy saviour from her past. Whether he's real or imagined doesn't matter - he represents her desperate need to escape reality through romantic illusions.

Key Point: These minor characters serve as mirrors, reflecting the main characters' deepest fears and desires.



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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

English Literature

310

22 Jan 2026

3 pages

Character Analysis in AQA: A Streetcar Named Desire

Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" centres around complex characters struggling between the Old and New South. The play explores themes of desire, illusion, and social change through deeply flawed but compelling individuals.

# A street cat named desire - characters

## Main characters

Although many of the characters have key parts in the production,
these charac

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Main Characters

Ever wondered how a playwright creates characters so real they feel like people you might actually know? Williams crafts three unforgettable protagonists whose relationships drive this intense drama.

Blanche DuBois appears sophisticated on the surface, but she's actually falling apart inside. Her past traumas have left her mentally fragile, and she struggles to adapt from the genteel Old South to the harsh realities of modern life. Ironically, her name means "white from the wood," suggesting purity - which she definitely isn't.

Stella Kowalski is Blanche's younger sister who's torn between loyalty to her family and devotion to her husband. Despite Stanley's violent behaviour, she remains physically attracted to him. Unfortunately, her dependence on men leaves her powerless to control her own life.

Stanley Kowalski embodies the American Dream as a Polish immigrant's son, but he's also brutally aggressive. His violent and sexual nature both attracts and repels those around him. He becomes obsessed with Stella's aristocratic background and feels cheated when he discovers there's no inheritance.

Key Point: These three characters represent the clash between old Southern values and new American realities.

# A street cat named desire - characters

## Main characters

Although many of the characters have key parts in the production,
these charac

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Supporting Characters

The minor characters aren't just background noise - they're carefully chosen to reflect the main themes and relationships you'll need to analyse.

Mitch Mitchell offers hope as Blanche's potential love interest because he's gentler than Stanley's other mates. He's caring for his dying mother, which shows his sensitive side. However, when he learns about Blanche's scandalous past, his feelings change dramatically.

Steve and Eunice Hubbell are the upstairs neighbours who mirror Stanley and Stella's toxic relationship. Steve's abuse of Eunice foreshadows what might happen to Stella, making their presence quite sinister despite seeming ordinary.

Allan Grey haunts the entire play despite being dead. As Blanche's first husband, his suicide after she discovered his homosexuality explains her current mental state. The Varsouviana music that plays throughout represents her guilt and trauma.

Key Point: Even dead characters like Allan Grey influence the living characters' actions and mental states.

# A street cat named desire - characters

## Main characters

Although many of the characters have key parts in the production,
these charac

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Additional Characters

Don't overlook these smaller roles - they reveal crucial aspects of the main characters' personalities and motivations.

Pablo Gonzales represents Stanley's working-class poker group, emphasising the masculine, rough world that Blanche finds so threatening. His presence reinforces the play's exploration of class differences.

The Young Man appears briefly but triggers a significant response from Blanche. Her inappropriate attraction to him reveals her insecurity about ageing and hints at the scandal involving her student that destroyed her teaching career.

Shep Huntleigh exists mainly in Blanche's fantasies as a wealthy saviour from her past. Whether he's real or imagined doesn't matter - he represents her desperate need to escape reality through romantic illusions.

Key Point: These minor characters serve as mirrors, reflecting the main characters' deepest fears and desires.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Most popular content: A Streetcar Named Desire

Most popular content in English Literature

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user