The basic plot of Fences is following the family of Troy through their ups and downs. The focus is on characters in the family, first and foremost Troy, who was in prison for 15 years, had a brutal childhood, but is now trying to better himself through work and responsibility. He has tough relations with his various sons through two relationships. Another main character is Bono, Troy's friend from prison and his job as a garbage man. There is not one specific plot, the play follows Troy and his friends and family through various problems, mostly centering on the themes of death, responsibility, and fences. The last theme, fences, is important as they symbolize different things-- keeping people out, keeping people in, etc.