* Amanda and Tom Wingfield are siblings living in a small apartment in St. Louis.
* Amanda is a former Southern belle who is still mourning the death of her husband.
* Tom is a factory worker who dreams of becoming a writer.
* Laura is Amanda's shy, disabled daughter. She has a glass menagerie that she loves.
Rising Action
* Jim O'Connor, an old friend of Tom's, comes to visit the Wingfields.
* Jim is a charming and successful man, and Laura is immediately smitten with him.
* Amanda is thrilled that Laura might finally have a chance at happiness.
* Tom is jealous of Jim and feels that he is taking advantage of Laura.
Climax
* Jim takes Laura to the movies and then kisses her.
* Laura is overjoyed, but Tom is furious.
* Tom confronts Jim and accuses him of leading Laura on.
* Jim leaves, and Laura is devastated.
Falling Action
* Amanda blames Tom for Laura's heartbreak.
* Tom moves out of the apartment and goes to live with a friend.
* Amanda and Laura are left alone, and their lives are forever changed.
Resolution
* Tom returns to the apartment and makes amends with Amanda.
* Laura comes to terms with her disability and finds happiness in her own way.
* The Wingfields are finally able to move on with their lives.