John Steinbeck uses good characterization in The Grapes of Wrath. One in particular, is Ma Joad. She is the backbone of the family whose main goal is to keep her family together and safe.
             Ma Joad is the backbone character. Vlcek writes, "...Ma's primary obligation is to take care of her family, to provide them with nourishment, comfort, healing, and support" (82). She is emotionally strong. The family looks to her for emotional support and also how to react in some situations. When the family needs to cross the border and Grandma is very ill, she yells at the officer to let the family go right away. Also, once they are in California, she tells the family that Grandma had been dead the whole night, and she stays absolutely composed. Steinbeck writes,
             "The family looked at Ma with a little terror at her strength.
             Tom said, 'Jesus Christ! You layin' there with her all night long!'
             'The fambly hadda get acrost,' Ma said miserably." (312).
             She stays strong when Grandma dies just to keep the family optimistic for California.
             Ma stands up and takes over Pa's role in the family. She sticks up for her family at any expense. The truck breaks down and Tom suggests the family split up and he will catch up with them in California. At this, Ma stands up and will not let it happen. "'On'y way you gonna get me to go is to whup me'"(230). She threatens the family with a jack handle and surprises them all, so they stay together. Vlcek says, "While camped at the Colorado River, she wields a skillet when confronting an officer who orders the family to leave, although her greatest concern is that he will anger Tom"(83). She threatens an officer just to keep Tom calm and out of trouble.
             Ma does not necessarily want to be the leader of the family. She is just a strong woman who needs to keep her family together (83). Steinbec
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