Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Characters & Cast

To survive Martha's dominance and eventually to force her to face the terrifying truth of their existence.

Starts as a passive victim of Martha's abuse, but slowly takes control of the 'games'. He moves from defense to offense, ultimately committing the act of 'murdering' the illusion to save them both from total madness.

To elicit a strong emotional response—whether love or hate—to fill the void of her barren life.

begins as a boisterous, domineering force, but as the night wears on, her vulnerability is exposed. The destruction of her 'son' leaves her broken, fearful, and stripped of her defenses.

To advance his career and status, willing to use seduction and sycophancy to do so.

Arrives as a polite, ambitious academic. He is systematically broken down, his moral ambiguity exposed, and his ego shattered by George's psychological warfare.

To maintain a facade of propriety and avoid the painful reality of her own trapped marriage.

Serves as a passive observer who is gradually traumatized. Her drunkenness reveals her own secrets (fear of childbirth), and she becomes a collateral casualty of the older couple's war.