Unmemorable by Craig Lucas

In Unmemorable, by Craig Lucas, the relationship between people is compared.  In the short play, there are two couples: Earl and Lois, and Roz and Theo.  In the beginning of the play, Earl and Lois are making love for the first time, which becomes an awkward scene.  They are nervous and worried about the other person’s reaction.  It seems as though this relationship is new, because of the awkwardness that each person has in the scene, and that the word “love” is not used, instead Lois says “I really like you” (Lucas 101).  Even though the relationship seems to have not been going on for that long, it is clear that there is still compassion and caring for each other as the story in the newspaper is discovered by Lois and Earl wishes to comfort her.  This relationship is in contrast with the relationship of Roz and Theo.  Roz and Theo have been in a relationship for much longer than Earl and Lois, as is seen in the bathroom scene.  Instead of waiting for Roz to finish in the bathroom, Theo walks in and does not find this awkward in any way.  It seems that their relationship is so natural, that all lines have been crossed and that nothing is awkward.  It seems like they are completely comfortable with each other, something that Earl and Lois are still learning. 

These characters in the play are given no description, which leaves a lot up to the reader or audience to decide.  Immediately at the beginning of the play, the reader can see that the character list gives no description of the characters – only the names.  I connect this to current television and movies, where it is expected that everyone looks perfect and thin and beautiful.  This play gives the reader the opportunity to create the character.  It’s obvious that the characters are not suppose to be models or famous actors, so the reader can connect with the characters more since they are normal people with flaws that everybody has, since no one’s body can be perfect.  The only description that is given about the appearance specifically is about Lois’ nipples, which are flawed.  This lack of detail for the characters, ironically, brings more life to them, because the reader gives them the characters’ descriptions.