Laura Brown is a fictional character from the novel "The Hours," written by Michael Cunningham. She is depicted as a 1950s housewife who struggles with her identity and societal expectations. Laura is deeply affected by the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf, which she reads while contemplating her life choices. Throughout the story, Laura grapples with feelings of dissatisfaction and the desire for personal fulfillment. Her character represents the challenges faced by women of her time, highlighting themes of mental health and the search for meaning in everyday life. Laura's journey reflects the broader struggles of women in the mid-20th century.