Character Development and Social Reality in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Characters in literature and drama serve as lenses through which audiences can explore complex human experiences, societal norms and cultural values. Character development refers to the process by which authors construct and evolve characters' personalities, motivations and relationships within a narrative and as characters navigate their worlds, their interactions and transformations provide a mirror to the societal forces at play, offering a nuanced portrayal of social reality. The research investigates the contact between character development and social reality in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. The study utilized a combination of literary and sociological theories which include the integration of Psychoanalytic Theory and the Sociological Approach. These two will provide a robust framework for examining how characters are shaped by their psychological make-up and social environment. The study adopted a qualitative method of research, which include, among others, primary and secondary data collections. The primary source is the chosen text; Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller. Thus, the research presents an in-depth textual analysis of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. The secondary are obtained from books from libraries, internet and other published works such as journals and newspapers which are relevant to the research. The research focuses on the textual analysis of the play; its themes, characterization, other elements such as suspense and conflicts, the major characters and the social relevance of the entire play. Key findings highlight that Willy's recurring flashbacks and hallucinations reveal the complexity of his character and suggest that his psychological turmoil is tied to unresolved feelings of inadequacy and failure. The research recommended that future research could delve deeper into how Miller's use of non-linear narrative structures and Willy's fragmented memory serves not only as a tool for psychological exploration but also as a commentary on the societal pressures that shape individual identity. A focused study on how the past and present collide in Willy's mind could provide further insights into the nature of his self-delusion and the emotional cost of unattainable dreams.Key Words: Character Development,Social Reality, Psychoanalytic Theory, Sociological Approach and Death of A Salesman