The play unfolds over a span of twenty-five years in a continuous series of segments. At the start, Daisy Werthan, a seventy-two-year-old Jewish widow from the South, has just crashed her new car while reversing out of the garage. Following the accident, her son Boolie insists that she can no longer drive. Despite her objections, he hires Hoke Coleburn, a sixty-year-old, uneducated African American, as her driver. Initially, Daisy wants nothing to do with Hoke. She fears appearing affluent, even though Boolie is the one paying Hoke's salary. Valuing her independence highly, she also resents having someone around her home.

During Hoke's first week of employment, Daisy refuses to let him drive her anywhere. He spends his time sitting in the kitchen. However, one day, Hoke points out that a lady like her should not be taking the bus. He also mentions that he is being paid by her son for doing nothing. Daisy responds by asserting that she does not come from a wealthy background but eventually relents, allowing him to drive her to the grocery store. She insists on maintaining control, instructing him on where to turn and how fast to drive. On another trip, she becomes upset when he parks in front of the temple to pick her up, fearing people will think she is putting on airs.

One morning, Boolie comes over after Daisy calls him, extremely upset. She has discovered that Hoke has taken a can of salmon from her pantry and wants Boolie to fire him immediately. Her words also reveal her prejudice against African Americans. Boolie, finally exasperated, calls Hoke aside for a talk when he arrives. However, Hoke first wants to give Daisy a can of salmon to replace the one he ate the previous day. Trying to regain her composure, Daisy says goodbye to Boolie.

Hoke continues to drive for Daisy, and she eventually teaches him to read and write. When she gets a new car, Hoke buys her old one from the dealer.

In her eighties, Daisy travels by car to Alabama for a family birthday party. She is upset that Boolie will not accompany her, as he and his wife are heading to New York and already have theater tickets. During the trip, Daisy learns that this is Hoke's first time leaving Georgia. Suddenly, Daisy realizes that Hoke has taken a wrong turn. She becomes frantic, wishing aloud that she had taken the train instead. The day drags on, and it is after nightfall when they near Mobile. Hoke needs to stop to urinate, but Daisy forbids him as they are already late. Initially, Hoke obeys, but then he pulls over to the side of the road. Daisy exclaims at his impertinence, but Hoke stands his ground.

Hoke is extremely loyal to Daisy, yet he doesn't hesitate to use another job offer as leverage for a raise. He enjoys telling Boolie how much he likes being in demand. One winter morning, an ice storm hits. The power is out, and the roads are frozen. Over the phone, Boolie assures Daisy he will come over as soon as the roads are clear. However, Hoke arrives promptly, drawing on his experience driving on icy roads from his delivery days. When Boolie calls back, Daisy informs him that there's no need to come because Hoke is already there.

In the following scene, Daisy is on her way to the temple but gets stuck in a severe traffic jam. Hoke informs her that the temple has been bombed. Daisy is shocked and distressed, unable to comprehend why a Reformed temple would be targeted....