Kenneth (Ken) Talley, Jr.

Kenneth (Ken) Talley, Jr., the current owner of the Talley Place, which has been in the family for generations. A Vietnam veteran who lost both legs in the war, he is resisting returning to his former life as a schoolteacher because he fears that the students will not accept his disability. Although he and his partner Jed have put three years into fixing up the home and gardens, Ken is prepared to sell the Talley Place to John and Gwen and start a new life somewhere else. Ken, his sister June, John, and Gwen shared a communal life back in the 1960’s. Ken was in love with John, who chose Gwen instead. Ken learns that John lied to Gwen all those years ago, setting in motion the events that led to John’s marriage and Ken being drafted and then injured. When Ken learns the truth about his past, he is better able to face his future. He and Jed resume making plans for the garden and for Ken to teach in the fall.

John Landis

John Landis, Gwen’s controlling husband and Ken’s best friend since high school. Ken has always been attracted to John, and they slept together once years ago. Unable to handle commune life—or perhaps unable to accept his own feelings for Ken—John lied to get rid of Ken and married the wealthy Gwen. Now he manages her copper business, without her knowing it, and encourages her singing career. He and Gwen want to buy the Talley Place to use as a private recording studio. He does not believe that she has any real talent; he only wants her to be distracted so that she will not interfere with the business. When he and Ken talk over the old days, he reveals by the force of his denial that he blames himself for Ken’s injury. When his plans for buying the Talley Place fall through, he becomes angry and knocks Ken to the floor. Ken does not accept his apology, and John leaves.

Gwen Landis

Gwen Landis, John’s self-absorbed wife. She took so many drugs in the 1960’s that she has permanently damaged her brain. She cannot focus on any thought for more than a few minutes and flits from one subject to another as she tries to converse. She has an immense inherited fortune, over which John has taken control without her knowledge. She would like to be a singer and hopes to have her own recording studio. Everyone assumes that she is chasing an empty dream, but near the end of the play she receives a genuine offer from a major recording studio.

June Talley

June Talley, Ken’s sister, another former member of the commune. She also was in love with John in those days, but of the four of them she was the first to realize the emptiness of the life they were living and the first to leave. Soon after moving to St. Louis on her own, she gave birth to Shirley, a daughter John has never acknowledged or supported. She has been a bad mother because she has no sense of direction herself, but she is the most sensible of the four friends, and she speaks frankly and kindly to Ken about his fears. When John tries to take Shirley to live with him and Gwen, June’s motherly love turns fierce, and she sends him away.

Jed Jenkins

Jed Jenkins, Ken’s lover and friend. Jed says little and defers to Ken when others are around. When they are alone, Jed is the strong one, supporting Ken physically and emotionally.