Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

As this scene opens, Billy and Roger are talking. Billy is feeling insecure about his tendency to "complicate situations unnecessarily." He is referring to his inability to get along with people different from himself without confronting them or causing conflict. Roger suggests that they play a game of basketball to help Billy get his mind off his troubles. Richie enters the room, dropping sexual innuendos, especially to Billy. Billy throws the basketball at Richie very hard in his frustration and intolerance. Richie tries to lighten the mood by spraying both Billy and Roger with cologne. Billy and Roger leave to play basketball.

Carlyle enters the room and makes a sexual pass at Richie; propositions him. Richie gets frightened by this and leaves Carlyle alone in the room. Billy returns to the room as Carlyle is telling an off-color, homosexual joke to...