Mama's daughter and Walter's sister. In college, and better educated than the rest of her family. She wants to be a doctor. She has had many hobbies.

Walter and Beneatha's mother. She wants to use the insurance money to get a house in a better neighborhood. She worries about her family falling apart.

Walter's wife and Travis's mother. She is caught in the middle of the fight over the money. Discovers she is going to have a baby and considers an abortion.

Walter and Ruth's young son. Eager to help his family. Plays outside with the rats. Sleeps on the sofa because there is no room.

Nigerian student who is dating Beneatha. Proud of his African heritage, wants Beneatha to return to Nigeria with him.

Wealthy African-American man who courts Beneatha. He ignores his African culture and is becoming absorbed into the white culture, which makes him an assimilationist. He and Beneatha argue about this.

The only white character in the play. Tries to pay the Youngers NOT to move into an all white neighborhood.

common; nothing special

to absorb fully or make one's own; to adopt as one's own; to adapt fully

the process of using resources to produce new capital

uncomplicated thinking, act as if you don't know

the act of making or enacting laws

the act of uniting or bringing together, especially people of different races.

the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

flirtatious

Her ___ behavior made him think that he would have a chance to date her.