All of the characters in the performance "Death of a Salesman" have special traits that are indicative of their personality and literary purpose in the piece. Each serves a particular purpose and symbolizes distinct goals, functions, or qualities. One by one, the author places every character in a specific location to contrast, or emphasize another character's shortcomings, mistakes, or areas of strength. For example, an author might place the drama's antagonist in many scenes with the protagonist. This not only creates the plot, but also makes the plot easier to understand. In the same way, Bernard, a character in "Death of a Salesman", is placed next to Biff, the protagonist's son. Biff, is lost in a world created by his dazed father, who instills in him a set of false values, and eventually becomes a failure in his early age. In spite of the fact that Bernard admires Biff and believes he is able to help him prosper, Biff is unable to listen. Bernard also interacts with the protagonist himself, again showing the same traits that are indicative of his character. Bernard, who is a successful student and later a successful attorney, is opposite the characteristics Biff is taught makes a man great.
             Our first example of Bernard's character is his interaction with Biff is in Act I, when the reader infers Bernard is tutoring Biff: "Biff, Listen Biff, I heard Mr.Birnbaum say that if you don't start studyin' math he's gonna flunk you and you won't graduate. I heard him!" These initial statements, spoken by Bernard, are indicative to the reader of how helpful he tries to be to Biff. He is among the only characters with a sense of reality; the only character that tries to help Biff take concrete, analytical steps to helping him succeed. He understands the consequences of Biff's actions, and tries to dissuade his directionless ambition towards a more solid goal. "He's gotta study Uncle Willy. He's got regents next week." "J...