Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun expresses amazing characterization. Her characters are vivid and flawed, allowing the reader to form a true connection with the piece. One of my favorite characters was Walter. Walter perfectly represents a dynamic character, in that the plot of the piece changed him in a major way. When the story begins, he portrays a weary, desperate man, itching to fight the injustices bestowed upon him and his family. He convinces himself the only way to help his family is to invest in a liquor store. What Walter does not see is that his anger and frustration affect his family more than their impoverished state. When Walter discovers he was scammed by his "business partner", he is distraught and appears to have lost the fire within. No longer does he wish to fight the seemingly impossible battle and he gives up, as shown by his willingness to accept the offer of the white neighbors who want to prevent his family from moving in.
However, in the end, Walter cannot accept the offer. He state "....what I mean is that we come from people who had a lot of pride. I mean-we are very proud people" (Hansberry, 532). He remembers his heritage and that pride prevents him from accepting the money. This dignified decision restores Walter's respect in the eyes of his family.
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