1. Strong and Determined: Lena is the matriarch of the Younger family, and she exudes immense inner strength and determination. Despite the challenges she faces as an African-American woman in a racially prejudiced society, Lena remains steadfast in her commitment to providing a better life for her family.
2. Practical and Resourceful: Lena is a practical woman who makes wise and responsible decisions for her family. She is cautious with money and resourceful in managing the household, often making do with limited resources.
3. Protective and Loving: Lena deeply loves her family, and her fierce protectiveness is evident throughout the play. She wants the best for her children and is willing to make sacrifices to ensure their happiness and success.
4. Traditional Values: Lena holds traditional values and believes in the importance of family unity, hard work, and education. She often uses wisdom from her past experiences to guide her decisions.
5. Dream of Homeownership: Lena dreams of owning a home, a symbol of stability and upward mobility for the Younger family. She sees the money from her husband's life insurance as a means to achieve this dream, which represents a chance for a better future.
6. Haunted by the Past: Lena carries emotional scars from her past, including the loss of her husband and the struggles of raising two young children on her own. These past experiences shape her outlook and decision-making.
7. Conflicted by Change: Lena is torn between holding onto the familiar and embracing change. While she values her family's traditions, she also recognizes the need for growth and progress.
Overall, Lena Younger is a well-developed character who represents the strength, resilience, and determination of African-American women during the mid-twentieth century. Her portrayal in the play adds depth and complexity to the exploration of social and racial issues faced by families during that time.