A Streetcar Named Desire is a is a 1947 play written by Tennessee Williams, later adapted for film, which tells the story of a woman who displays histrionic and borderline traits, who goes to live with her codependent sister and her narcissistic husband.

A Streetcar Named Desire tells the story of Blanche DuBois, an attractive, flirtatious but troubled young woman, who moves to New Orleans to live with her sister, Stella and her husband, Stanley Kowalski after the death of her husband.

Blanche is less than honest about herself. She attempts to use her charms to manipulate people and cover up details about her past, including her husband's suicide, her transient relationships with men, her alcoholism, the loss of her home and that she was fired as a teacher for having had an affair with a student.

Stella's husband, Stanley, plays the role of a abusive narcissist, whose dominance and control is challenged by the arrival of Blanche. Blanche tries to expose, confront and exploit his vulnerabilities. Enraged by this and ultimately finding his opportunity, Stanley brutally attacks Blanche, first on an emotional level, then on a physical one. Ultimately, he dispenses of her coldly to a psychiatric facility, thus returning himself to a position of dominance.

Blanche's sister, Stella, plays the role of a codependent enabler, trying to appease Stanley and Blanche.

Blanche's character exhibits some of the traits of Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) and of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Stanley's character exhibits some of the traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Stella's character exhibits some of the traits of a codependent - or enabling Non-PD.

A Streetcar Named Desire earned Tennessee Williams a Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1947. Vivien Leigh's performance as Blanche in the 1951 movie adaptation earned her an Academy Award for best actress and Marlon Brando received an Academy Award Nomination as best actor. The movie also received oscars for best supporting actor and actress and best Art Direction. Alec Baldwin's performance as Stanley in a 1992 version of the play earned him a Tony award.

You can watch the trailer for the movie here :

"A Streetcar Named Desire", 1951

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