Pen Pals Summary

Claiming to be Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India's greatest fan, the young wife of Great Britain's Prince Charles, heir to the throne, writes a bubbly, disjointed letter to the aged Roman Catholic nun revered world-wide for her charity work among the poor and diseased.

When she receives no answer, Diana turns petulant, but is reconciled when form letters from Teresa's order, the Sisters of Charity, makes clear that Teresa is frightfully busy. Diana continues trying to establish a friendship. Diana's last letter rejoices in her divorce from boring Prince Charles, talks about enjoying her freedom, and suggests that the two women vacation together.

Diana dies in a tragic accident and Teresa dies soon after of old age. The Sisters of Charity write to console Diana's father, suggesting that he remember Teresa's close pen pal when making donations in Diana's memory.

Pen Pals Analysis