In the early hours of the morning, Martha and George return from a faculty event, engaged in a heated exchange. Martha, the college president's daughter, critiques their home, likening it to a quote from a Bette Davis film she cannot place. The night takes a turn as they anticipate hosting another couple, Honey and Nick, despite the late hour.

Late Night Tensions

As the couple bickers, Martha reminisces about a memorable moment from the party where "Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?" replaced "Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" in a song, though George found no amusement in it. Martha's request for a kiss is rebuffed by George, who cautions her against discussing their child. This warning, overheard by their arriving guests, Honey and Nick, creates an uneasy atmosphere.

Entertaining Guests

Despite the tension, George and Martha serve their guests brandy and bourbon. The conversation turns to the evening's events, with Honey and Nick finding humor in "Virginia Woolf" and commending the party meant for new faculty. George, however, seems preoccupied with thoughts of wealth and regrets about marrying Martha, highlighting the sacrifices men make for marrying a college president's daughter.

Revealing Conversations

While Martha leads Honey on a tour of the house, George shares his distrust of biology with Nick. He comments on Honey's unsuitability for motherhood due to her slim figure. When Honey returns, her casual remark about George having a son stirs unease. Martha, now provocatively dressed, recalls a past boxing victory over George. In response, George humorously fires an umbrella from a shotgun, intensifying Martha's provocative demeanor.

Secrets and Confessions

Martha taunts George about his doubts regarding their son's paternity, which George denies. When Martha admits to a brief elopement with a gardener, George's return prompts further jabs at his failures. An agitated George drowns her out with "Virginia Woolf," sending Honey to the bathroom, accompanied by Nick and Martha.

Intimate Disclosures

Left alone, George and Nick exchange personal revelations: Martha’s stint in a rest home and Honey’s frequent nausea, attributed to a false pregnancy that compelled Nick to marry her. George reminisces about a tragic classmate’s life, likening it to his own son, whom he dismisses as a "beanbag." Nick seeks clarity, but Martha interrupts, announcing a coffee break with Honey.

Marriage Dynamics

As the men delve deeper into their marital experiences, Nick reveals his marriage was a social expectation, influenced by Honey’s wealthy preacher father. George notes Martha's financial security thanks to her father's wealthy second wife. Nick's ambitions attract George's cautionary advice about the dangers of college politics and relationships.

Game of Humiliation

Martha blames Honey's nausea on George, sparking a back-and-forth about their son’s ailments. George counters, attributing it to Martha's overbearing mothering. The conversation shifts to George’s unpublished novel, a work Martha claims is based on his own patricidal history, stifled by her father's disapproval.

Escalating Tensions

As the evening progresses, Honey’s intoxicated wish to dance causes further friction. George insists on Beethoven, while Martha opts for jazz. George dances with Honey, making cheeky comments about her, as Martha entices Nick. Observing their chemistry, George dismisses it as ritual, provoking Honey with uncomfortable remarks.

Dangerous Games

Martha initiates "Humiliate the Host," exposing George’s alleged patricide and the subsequent suppression of his novel. George, in retaliation, suggests an inappropriate game, eventually settling on "Get the Guest." When George reveals Honey’s false pregnancy, she flees, feeling betrayed, followed by Nick who vows revenge.

Confrontations and Realizations

Following Honey’s departure, tensions flare between George and Martha. Nick returns seeking ice for Honey's headache, and Martha seduces him, though George remains focused on reading. Martha's...