Walter “Pops” Washington

Pops is the play’s central character and protagonist. He describes himself as a senior citizen, an ex-cop, and a good tenant, all of which play important roles in the plot, in the play’s various relationships, and in the development of its themes. Pops is also a widower, his wife Delores having died a few months before the beginning of the play.

One of the largest roles Pops plays is that of 'father'; he is a genuine father figure to his son Junior, and a surrogate father figure to several other characters (including Oswaldo, Lulu, and his former partner, Detective O’Connor).

Finally, Pops is black / African-American, a fact that is not mentioned in any of the character descriptions or other introductory material, but which emerges only in dialogue. Granted, an audience will know Pops’ ethnic background as soon as he appears onstage for the...