A young man attempts to outwit an elderly, wealthy miser to secure his inheritance and romantic future. Thomas Middleton constructs a narrative centered on the conflict between generational greed and youthful ambition. The protagonist navigates a series of social deceptions and financial schemes, facing opposition from the titular 'old one' who guards his resources with suspicion. The play utilizes the conventions of Jacobean city comedy, relying on sharp dialogue and situational irony to drive the plot forward. The narrative framework follows a traditional dramatic structure, emphasizing the interplay between trickery and social status.

Discussion often centers on Middleton's cynical portrayal of human nature and his mastery of the comedic form. Readers frequently highlight the intricate plotting and the cleverness of the schemes employed by the younger characters to manipulate their elders. Critics often note the play's historical significance as a representative work of the period's theatrical output. The balance between character-driven humor and the darker undertones of greed provides a consistent point of analysis for scholars of early modern drama.