Following a mental collapse, the life of Charley Womack is dissected by the five women who have shaped his existence. Charley Womack, a man defined by his relationships with his mother, his ex-wife, and a series of romantic partners, finds himself hospitalized after his latest relationship fails to meet his expectations. The narrative unfolds within the confines of a studio apartment, where these women gather to analyze the events leading to his breakdown. The play utilizes a two-act structure to examine the psychological weight of Charley's history and the varying degrees of affection he received from the women in his life.

Discussion often centers on the play's claustrophobic atmosphere, which mirrors the protagonist's internal instability. Readers frequently highlight the sharp, analytical dialogue that defines the interactions between the five women as they attempt to reconcile their roles in Charley's life. Critics have noted the effectiveness of the single-set staging in heightening the tension of the post-breakdown analysis. The work is often examined for its portrayal of the complex power dynamics inherent in traditional romantic and familial structures. This play remains a notable example of late 20th-century American drama focused on the intersection of personal history and mental health.