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In The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, props and sets play a great role in the development of the plot and the characters. Almost every action detailed in the story relates to some emotional undercurrent. " 'I think we may-have grace-now... (Tom looks at her stupidly.)' (Scene 6)". With this subtle action, Tom is making it clear to the audience that the family does not ordinarily say grace before dinner. At the same time, this helps hint at the fanfare Amanda is putting into the meal to make it seem as though she has the typical Southern family. In reality, they are a family on rocky ground, but the goal of the night was to disguise them as a dream family. Especially in Amanda's case, numerous eccentricities are brought to light through stage direction. Without Amanda's stern glares and Laura's nervous shudders, the characters themselves would be significantly less developed.