A character analysis of the play “The Man Who Came to Dinner” involves examining individual roles within the narrative, exploring their motivations, relationships, and contributions to the overall plot and themes. This process typically includes considering a character’s personality traits, dialogue, actions, and interactions with other characters. For instance, analyzing Sheridan Whiteside might entail examining his wit, egocentricity, and the impact his extended stay has on the Stanley family.
Understanding the individual characters strengthens appreciation for the comedic and satirical elements of the play. By exploring their complexities and interrelationships, audiences and readers gain deeper insights into the playwright’s intentions and the social commentary embedded within the narrative. Kaufman and Hart, writing during the late 1930s, used their characters to satirize celebrity culture and societal expectations of the time. Character studies provide a lens through which to analyze these themes and their continued relevance.
