Characters

DOCTOR, a white man in his early 40s, informal, hardworking, even overworked—the youngish doctor with simultaneous commitments to hospital, private patients, writing, family, research, teaching, public health, public issues, committees, special projects. White shirt and bow tie, soft jacket, somewhat weary. He is of European background,, but came to this country as a child. Possessor of a dry wit, which he is not averse to using for therapeutic purposes.

DALE JACKSON (D.J.), a black man two weeks before his 24th birthday, erect and even stiff in bearing, intelligent, handsome, restrained. An effect of power and great potential being held in for hidden reasons. Like the doctor, given to his own slants of humor as a way of dealing with people and, apparently, of holding them off.

HOSPITAL GUARD, a sergeant in uniform and on duty. White. An MP, on transitional assignment.