Ma Joad is one of the most important characters in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. Ma is the mother of the main character Tom and evolves as the head of the family Ma’s personality makes her the “citadel of the family” (Steinbeck) and she keeps the family intact by being strong. Throughout the novel, Ma displays her leadership by always trying to keep the family together. Steinbeck’s characterization of Ma allows her to impact the whole family. The importance of Ma within the family highlights her as a central character in the novel. Throughout the novel, Ma assumes the role of leader and works to ensure her family’s unity and survival. In the very beginning Grampa has second thoughts about going to California, but Ma makes sure they
