First Impressions of Happy and Biff

Our first impressions of Biff is that he may have suffered some form of 'defeat', as suggested in the stage directions. It compares him and his brother, Happy, saying Happy 'is lost' like Biff, 'but in a different way, for he has never allowed himself to turn his face toward defeat'. This implies Biff has turned his face to defeat. Biff replies 'I'm going to sleep' immediately after Happy talks of his father's success. By Biff choosing not to further that conversation it suggests that he may be tired of hearing of his father's exaggerated success and ability.

It also seems as if Willy's downfall could possibly be linked to Biff, as Willy is often 'talking to' Biff when he is talking to himself. It also seems Biff is not content. He has moved from many jobs and still wants something different, comparing himself with a 'boy' as he isn't married and isn't 'in business'. He is searching for something more.

Happy seems a womaniser, as he cannot even remember who he lost his virginity to, as he says 'that was my first time - I think.' Even when Happy has what he 'always wanted', he still isn't happy. This suggests that he is searching for something extra in his life that he has not yet found. He also seems to think being 'well liked' is important, as it means you can have 'any babe you want', linking back to Happy being a womaniser.