The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.
Perhaps one of the most underwritten characters that had the greatest impact on the plot was the father, absent, yet still present. His memory is a driving force for many of the decisions that Tom makes. His wish to get away from the family constantly is brought up as a reminder to Amanda of how Tom is just like his father. Tom's behavior is consistent with that of the father who was described as a delinquent and a drunk. Amanda explodes and is infuriated by Tom's behavior and even states that his destructive behavior was dangerous for the family. "What right have you got to jeopardize your job? Jeopardize the security of all of us? How do you think we'd manage.(Williams, 1247)" By saying this, Amanda might as well be saying that she does not want a repeat of her husband.
The Father is a driving force behind many of the decisions and actions of the characters. Amanda can't stop living in the past because it was her only happy time, as now she has to deal with her children and the fact that she was abandoned by her husband. This is why Amanda emphasizes to Laura that she needs to get as many gentleman callers as she can so that she can choose a husband who will stay by her. This is also why Amanda condemns Tom's behavior at night.
Effectively, the father is the antagonist of the story.
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