The Players

S – Narrator, 37-year-old, African-American who works part-time because of a permanent disability. Been working here for 13 years.

Diane – a 24-year-old waitress who is originally from France. 5-3 and petite.

THE BOSS – 61 years old and very, very liberal. Married twice, 2nd time in 1982 to Sharon.

Sharon – a big spender and often complained that he didn't bring enough money home. She was a former beauty queen from Tulsa who lost most of her looks, but kept the body and the desire. No one would have predicted the marriage would last, but they are going on almost 30 years now.

Lori – a 21-year-old waitress who only started about 4 weeks prior, seemed to be the sweetest person in the world. She loved working at the diner and had a smile for everyone.

Michelle – the daughter of one of THE BOSS'S best friend. Short, plump and rather unattractive, Michelle was nonetheless a nice, unassuming 26 year old. She had been engaged when she was 21 to a guy who ended up sleeping with her maid of honor about 2 weeks before the wedding. The depression that followed never really went away, and she gained a tremendous amount of weight. It took serious therapy just for her to be able to take a job again. But she swore off ever finding love again and really keeps mostly to herself.

Danny – a 19-year-old college dropout who hasn't found his place in the world just yet. His father died when he was 6 and his mom has raised him, as well as his four siblings as best she could.

Eric – a 34-year-old, married man, with 2 kids and a wife who is a rather popular attorney in town. He used to be a day-trader until the market crashed after 9/11 and was a househusband until his youngest started back to school. In the summer however, he works a couple of nights each week, just to keep himself sane, but he quit a few months ago when he realized he’d never win.

Jack – is THE BOSSES partner who needed the investment. He is married to Maryanne.

Maryanne – thinks exceptionally highly of herself and is unafraid to remind the employees who she is and who pays their salaries. Often, when she calls, the staff has to pick straws and the loser has to get the phone. She rarely speaks to anyone as an equal and seems to get off on making us uncomfortable.

Marco – the Mexican head chef. He is in charge of the Mexican crew.

Freddie – of all the Mexicans, he is the most stereotypical. He is lazy, mean and fat. THE BOSS has threatened to fire him more times than I can remember. But for some reason, he just can’t do it. He is also Marco’s brother-in-law. That may have something to do with it.

Manny – is a Mexican bus boy. He is a nice guy who follows the pack and is a little less than smart.

Eduardo (Eddie) – is a waiter who is friends with Diane. He works when he feels like it and often takes her side in conflicts. He can be very lazy, though. But is often easy to get along with. He speaks English far better than the other Mexicans, which s why he works out front.