If the video doesn’t load please try refreshing the page. If the problem persists make sure you have the latest version of the Flash player or watch the videos on our RecAPP iPhone and iPod application.

If you remember one thing about the characters in A Streetcar Named Desire, remember this: This cast is totally divided. Want more on Blanche and Stella and Stanley and Mitch? Just press play.

Video Transcription:

In A Streetcar Named Desire, the guys and the girls are worlds apart.

Let’s divide and conquer this totally divided cast—next.

The ladies: Blanche and Stella.

Think of these words when you think of them: Helpless, dependent, vulnerable, exploited.

Blanche is the main character, and even though she pretends to be in control, it’s clear from the beginning that she’s completely helpless. Not only has she lost all her money, she’s also quickly losing her beauty—and her mind. She seeks out men for stability and self-gratification, but ultimately, all they do is drive her to madness.

Stella is Blanche’s sister who has an unhealthy relationship with her husband, Stanley. Their main attraction is clearly sexual, and alternates between passion and abuse. Stella is also completely financially dependent on Stanley.

The men: Stanley and Mitch.

Think of these words when you think of them: Powerful, dominating, violent, over-sexed.

Stanley is Stella’s husband and a man who’s used to getting what he wants. Not only does he abuse his wife—knocking her around, even when she’s pregnant—he also ends up raping Blanche.

And Mitch is Stanley’s friend and Blanche’s boyfriend. At first, it seems that Mitch has a sensitive side, but when he finds out that Blanche has been deceiving him, he also resorts to violence.