1. Willy Loman's Childhood: Willy's formative experiences, including his relationship with his father and brother Ben, shape his beliefs about success and masculinity. His father's abandonment and Ben's success set the stage for Willy's subsequent struggles.
2. Biff's Football Career: Biff's athletic ability and popularity in high school raise expectations for his future success. However, his failure to live up to these expectations becomes a source of disappointment and tension between him and Willy.
3. Willy's Affair: Willy's extramarital affair with a woman named The Woman contributes to the breakdown of his relationship with Linda and further erodes his self-confidence.
4. Ben's Disappearance: Ben's sudden disappearance after promising to help Willy with his business venture leaves Willy feeling abandoned and disillusioned. This event deepens Willy's sense of failure and sets in motion the events leading to his downfall.
5. Dave Singleman's Success: Dave, Willy's old friend, achieves significant business success by staying in one place and building relationships. His example contrasts sharply with Willy's constant pursuit of elusive dreams and highlights the flaws in Willy's approach to life.
By understanding these antecedent actions, we gain insight into the characters' pasts and motives, allowing us to better comprehend their behavior and the subsequent tragic events in the play. These antecedent actions provide a foundation for the central conflict and themes of "Death of a Salesman."