Scene 1 Summary

Tom appears, dressed in the uniform of the merchant marines. He introduces the play, which he describes as a memory play and therefore dimly lit, sentimental, and unrealistic. He also introduces the characters - himself, his mother Amanda, his sister Laura, and a Gentleman Caller. He explains that the Gentleman Caller is a symbol of the "long delayed but always expected something that we long for." Tom goes on to say that there is a fifth character in the play who never actually appears - his father, who disappeared when he and Laura were children but whose picture is prominently displayed.

Amanda calls Tom to sit down for dinner. He disappears but soon reappears, no longer in his merchant marine clothes, at the table with Laura and Amanda. As he eats, Amanda criticizes his table manners. Tom says he can't enjoy his meal...