When Linda first comes out in the play, she is described as a wife who is used to accepting her husband's behavior and his dreams and sudden mood swings. In one paragraph on pg. 12, even before she enters the play, the reader has the impression that maybe she is already a victim. As she talks to the disappointed Willy about his day, Miller indicates with stage directions that Linda is careful with her actions and words, but in a supportive way. It seems that she might be frightened by him or at the fact that Willy is fragile. We see this on pg. 13 in stage directions such as "very carefully, delicately", "helpfully", and even Linda helps Willy take off his shoes. Linda also describes her son Biff, as crestfallen and explains to Willy that their son is trying to find himself (pg. 15, "He's crestfallen...if he finds himself, then you'll both be happier"). Throughout the beginning, Linda only wants to ease family tensions without choosing sides. She is thought of as caring and perhaps innocent.
However, as the play progresses, new questions arise and we start to doubt our confidence in Linda Loman. She is more upset