The play spans nearly thirty years, from the 1970s to the 1990s. Brothers Michael and Jason 'Japes' Cartts share the house in which they grew up, and then share the woman they both love. The object of their affection, Anita, becomes Michael's wife whilst remaining Japes' lover. This ménage-a-trois results in a fraternal relationship based on guilt and dependence - as toxic as it is supportive. Michael becomes the successful author whilst Japes' academic career stalls and he hits the bottle. Anita is stuck between this intense rivalry but is herself afflicted by her indecision and the nagging feeling that she married the wrong brother.