The News
None of the story's characters are named. They are referred to only by generic titles such as 'Girl' and 'Executive Editor'. The stage is divided into three parts, with the newsroom in the center, Girl's bedroom on one side, and Killer's apartment on the other. The action takes place mostly in the newsroom of The Mirror, a fictional tabloid in an unnamed large city. Executive Editor tries to drive readership with sensational reporting and outrageous headlines, such as "Head Red Dead", and "Live Goat Found in Madonna's Stomach". He is an inattentive father to a 15-year-old, Girl, speaking to her only over the phone. Girl makes a connection with a mysterious man, Killer, through a series of personal ads ("Classifieds/Personals"). She makes an off-handed remark to Killer that someone should kill all the unethical figures who work in the media. Killer takes Girl's remark to heart and resolves to go on a killing spree ("Shooting Stars"). The staff at The Mirror are excited to cover the subsequent spate of murders. They hold a contest inviting readers to name the serial killer. In a climax which commentators have described as "confusing", and "unbelievable", Killer and Girl meet in person, with Killer ultimately "blow[ing] himself away".