The only character that has a significant presence in each of the three acts, Brick is undoubtedly a central figure in the text and heavily contributes to its meaning. With a play so reliant upon domestic tensions, the charisma of the characters plays an essential role in keeping the audience captivated, but arguably just as important in creating intrigue is Brick’s contrasting opacity. Williams describes him as still “slim and firm as a boy,” but there is a sense that Brick is on a downward spiral with his disillusionment slowly manifesting physically, especially with his broken ankle. Although he maintains his mysterious charm and “cool air of detachment,” the idea that “at some deeper level he is far from peaceful” is a crucial reminder that physical beauty can be isolating as it brings greater expectations.
