Setting of the play is the home in England of Edward Barrett, father of the famous poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. After she had run away to marry Robert Browning, Barrett refused to ever she her again. When Elizabeth died, Barrett was too proud to admit that he had treated her harshly. He continues to be the stern parent and treats his other two daughters with an even firmer hand. Barrett refuses to let them go out with men or in any way lead a normal life. One day, while he is in a particularly bad mood, Barrett receives an unexpected visit from Elizabeth's son who brings about a strange transformation in his grandfather.