American Buffalo

The plot centers around Donny’s idea that the buffalo nickel is worth considerably more than the amount for which he sold it, Mamet never discloses its actual worth. Why do you think he decided to make this omission?

Mamet’s stage directions are relatively sparse. For example, he does not describe the clothing or physical features of his characters, nor the accessories in the junk shop. Was this simply an oversight, or do you think Mamet intended for the directors to have creative license? If the latter, why would he want this flexibility?

This play includes only three characters that appear onstage. They refer to other characters who we never see. How do these offstage characters contribute to the plot?