The Nerd

An aspiring architect in Terre Haute, Indiana, Willum has often told his friends about the debt he owes Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that Rick will always have his gratitude—so he is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment. But Willum’s delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd”—a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. As Rick overstays his welcome, the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating ways to rid himself of his guest with a surprising “twist” ending of the play.