Final answer:
Tom Wingfield is the main character of 'The Glass Menagerie' because he is both the narrator and a pivotal figure whose perspective and actions drive the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main character of the play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is A) Tom Wingfield. Tom is not only the narrator of the play but also a pivotal character whose perspective frames the narrative. As the play's narrator, Tom provides insights into his memories of the family and directly addresses the audience, sharing his thoughts and feelings. His character serves as a lens through which the audience views the story, and his actions and decisions drive the plot forward.
While other characters like Amanda Wingfield, the matriarch, and Laura Wingfield, whose struggles are significant, play crucial roles, it is Tom's narrative that we follow, and it is his perspective that shapes our understanding of the events. The other characters are indeed described through dialogue, including their way of speaking and interactions with one another, which helps to develop their characters further. However, it is Tom's reflection on the events that guides the audience through the story, making him the main character.