Jay and Eddie:
* Jay: He desperately wants his mother's love and approval, which is constantly withheld. He also seeks stability and a sense of belonging, yearning for a father figure and a home.
* Eddie: He desires escape from his difficult reality. He dreams of a life beyond Yonkers, free from his mother's control and the responsibility of caring for Jay. He also longs for a connection with his father, whom he never knew.
Grandma Kurnitz:
* Grandma Kurnitz: Driven by guilt and grief for her deceased husband, she seeks to control those around her. She craves power and uses her harshness as a way to express her pain and protect herself from further emotional hurt.
Bella:
* Bella: She seeks companionship and love, longing for a connection with someone after her husband's death. She struggles with her own sense of loneliness and vulnerability, seeking comfort in the familiarity of her brother's presence.
Aunt Gert:
* Aunt Gert: She desires freedom from her mother's oppressive grip, seeking a life of independence and self-expression. She craves a sense of normalcy and dreams of a happy life with a partner.
Louie:
* Louie: He seeks to provide for his family and make a good life for them. He wants to be a reliable and supportive father figure for Jay and Eddie, but struggles with his own insecurities and limitations.
The Father (absent):
* The Father: Though absent from the play, his presence is a driving force for the characters. He symbolizes hope and stability for Jay and Eddie, while also representing a lost connection and source of pain for the family.
It's important to note that these desires are often intertwined and conflicting. Each character's aspirations are shaped by their past experiences, their relationships with others, and their own vulnerabilities. The play explores the complex dynamics of family and the consequences of unfulfilled desires.