Final answer:
The stage directions in 'A Raisin in the Sun' reveal that Beneatha is about twenty years old, hinting at her youth and energy rather than suggesting she is self-absorbed. Her character is further developed through her interactions with George and Asagai, which showcase her ambitions, flaws, and exploration of identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage directions indicating that Beneatha is about twenty years old in A Raisin in the Sun reveal aspects of her character such as her youth and vitality, but do not necessarily indicate that she is self-absorbed.
Beneatha's interactions and conflict with other characters, like George and Asagai, help to develop her character by revealing her dreams, her flaws, and her evolving sense of identity.
The collisions between characters in the play underscore their differences and bring out the emotional depth and personal growth of each character, including Beneatha.
Her behavior with George shows she can be angry and defensive, while her actions with Asagai showcase her contemplative side as she explores her African heritage, which alludes to a complexity beyond mere self-absorption.