The Dear Departed

 Easy Summary of The Dear Departed

“The Dear Departed” is a comic one-act play that shows the selfishness and greed of family members when they think an old relative has died.

The story is about Abel Merryweather, an old man. His two daughters, Amelia and Elizabeth, do not really care for him. They only come to his house because they heard that he is dead. Instead of feeling sad, they start talking about his property, his money, and who will get what.

Amelia and her husband Henry start taking Abel’s things even before the funeral. Amelia takes Abel’s clock and bureau, saying she deserves them.

When Elizabeth and her husband Ben arrive, the sisters start arguing about who loved their father more, but actually both want his belongings.

Suddenly, Abel Merryweather comes walking into the room — alive! He was not dead at all. Everyone is shocked and embarrassed.

Abel sees the greedy nature of his daughters. He decides to change his will. He says he will leave all his property to whoever lives with him and takes care of him. Both daughters immediately start pretending to love him and want to take him home.

In the end, Abel says he will go to the pub and enjoy his life, showing he is wiser and funnier than his selfish daughters.