* He is successful in business, while Willy is a failure. Charley is the owner of a successful sporting goods store, while Willy is a struggling salesman. This contrast highlights Willy's lack of success and makes his character seem even more pathetic.
* He is content with his life, while Willy is always striving for more. Charley is happy with his life and his family, while Willy is always chasing after the American Dream. This contrast highlights Willy's dissatisfaction with his life and makes him seem even more tragic.
* He is a realist, while Willy is a dreamer. Charley is a practical man who knows what is possible and what is not, while Willy is a dreamer who is always chasing after impossible dreams. This contrast highlights Willy's lack of realism and makes him seem even more foolish.
By contrasting Charley with Willy, Miller is able to show how Willy's character flaws lead to his tragic downfall.