Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Willy

Willy acts as the antagonist both to himself and Biff. His misguided values about success and twisted version of the American Dream coupled with his pride and knack for self-deception lead Willy to pursue the wrong life path. Willy’s pride keeps him from accepting Charley’s job offers, and his self-deception keeps him hounding Biff to lead a lifestyle that doesn’t suit the young man. Willy’s false notions about his son and how success is achieved cause Biff emotional damage, but also make him so arrogant that he can’t keep a job. Willy is certainly his own worst enemy and the cause of much suffering for his son.