Intimate Apparel Characters

35y Esther, lonely African-American woman / skilled seamstress / arranged marriage to George Armstrong / hardworking modest independent very lonely / Symbolises Black-Working-class women’s struggle

 a laborer in the Panama Canal project / charismatic charming but selfish and manipulative / symbolises illusion of romantic salvation

​one of Esther’s wealthy clients, represents social elite and racial divides - sophisticated but deeply unhappy, trapped in loveless marriage yearns for real love, shares that with Esther, represents white female confinement with patriarchy, wealthy but powerless.

Esther’s friend who talks about the community and constraints faced by Black women- bold and vivacious, confident, emblem of liberation and tragedy tells Esther to take risks for love, strong bond with her. Symbolises sexual double standard for Black women and blurred lines between self expressionism and exploitation