This story is told from the third person narrator point of view, although it is restricted, which means that the reader can understand the facts and events but has access to the thoughts and feelings of only two of the characters, Alma and Ebarito. The characters of Paco, Tito, Wilson and Pee Wee are known only through their dialogue and actions.

The author sets up the differences between Alma and Ebarito's views of the game of dominoes to signify the difference in the male perspective versus the female perspective. Alma is only mildly interested in game playing and prefers to watch the world pass in front of her from her window. Ebarito is the epitome of the macho Puerto Rican male, and for him, the game is an extension of his manhood, making winning a vitally important endeavor.

The setting for the story is a...