When Death Answers the Call is a play that explores the struggles of stress, overwork, and despair. When Charles, a bitter workaholic, carelessly calls upon Death, he discovers the importance of patience, resilience, and the value of life itself. This thought-provoking play teaches children and audiences alike to be careful with their words and to appreciate life, even in difficult times.
CHARACTERS:
- CHARLES: A workaholic, stressed, and bitter. He resents his coworkers and feels unappreciated.
- MATT: Charles’s coworker. Laid-back and friendly, but a bit mischievous.
- LAUREN: Another coworker, friendly and easygoing.
- SOPHIE: A third coworker, carefree and excited for a vacation.
- DEATH: An ethereal, powerful, and mysterious being.
ACT 1: At the Office
(A modern office. Four desks are arranged in a row, each with a computer. A phone sits on Charles’s desk on the far left. Matt, Lauren, and Sophie are laughing, sipping coffee. Charles types furiously, glaring at them.)
CHARLES: (Muttering, loud enough to be heard) Some people do nothing and still get paid. (He slams his fingers on the keyboard.)
MATT: So, did you decide?
LAUREN: About the trip?
MATT: Yeah. Are you going?
LAUREN: Definitely.SOPHIE: Me too!
MATT: Perfect. It’s going to be epic.
LAUREN: I’ve saved up for this. I really need a vacation.
SOPHIE: Same here! I’m exhausted.
CHARLES: (Scoffs) Exhausted? Right. That’s why you’re so busy chatting and drinking coffee.
LAUREN: Charles, why are you always so bitter?
MATT: (Leaning back) It’s not our fault you’re a machine.
(Lauren and Sophie snicker.)
(The phone rings on Charles’s desk. He grabs it with irritation.)
CHARLES: Hello? (Listens, frowns.) Again? Why? (He sighs.) Fine. Half an hour. Bye. (Slams the phone.)
MATT: Bad news?
CHARLES: (Explodes) Everything is bad! And you’re part of the problem!
MATT: (Startled) What’s your deal with me?
CHARLES: (Turns away) Forget it.
LAUREN: (Stretching) It’s six o’clock.
CHARLES: Yes, run home. Must be tiring to talk and sip coffee all day.
MATT: You stay because you want to. No one asked you to.
CHARLES: (Snaps) I stay because no one else cares enough to finish the work!
SOPHIE: (Grabs her bag) Work never ends. I’d rather live my life than drown in it.
(Matt, Lauren, and Sophie pack up.)
LAUREN: You didn’t want to come on the trip anyway.
CHARLES: Vacation? With this much work? Unbelievable.
SOPHIE: Don’t be angry at us. The boss favors you. You’ve had raises, but we haven’t.
LAUREN: (Kindly) Have a good weekend, Charles. Try to rest. (Gestures to his mug.) Drink some coffee. It might help.
SOPHIE: It’s delicious!
(All three laugh as they exit, leaving Charles alone.)
(Charles stares at the empty desks. He picks up their mugs and smashes them to the ground.)
CHARLES: (With contempt) Delicious coffee! That’s all they care about. Fun and laughter while I drown in work. My life is meaningless—home, work, repeat. (Bitter laugh.) Ha, ha, ha. Always alone. Always tired. Nobody waiting for me.
(The phone rings again. He jumps, answers.)
CHARLES: Hello? (Listens, sighs heavily.) No, boss, not finished yet. (Closes his eyes.) Yes, ten minutes. (Hangs up, pacing, desperate.)
CHARLES: I can’t take this anymore. I do everything, and still it’s never enough! Death, release me! Take me away from this misery!
(The lights dim. A chilling wind sound fills the stage. Death enters, cloaked in black, pale face, glowing eyes. He stands silently.)
DEATH: (Whispering, echoing) You called me. This is When Death Answers the Call.
CHARLES: (Terrified, stumbles back) Oh no… I—yes, I—can you help me with a report? My boss needs it in ten minutes.
DEATH: (Laughs darkly) Ha, ha, ha. If you fear me, do not call me. Remember: When Death Answers the Call, there is no second chance. Next time you summon me… there will be no escape.
(Death fades into the shadows. The lights return. Charles stands frozen, trembling. He slowly picks up his bag.)
CHARLES: (Shaking) I… I think it’s time to rest. The report can wait. (He shuts off his computer and hurries offstage.)
This story reminds us that life is precious, and despair should never blind us to its value. By being patient, practicing self-control, and taking time to rest, we can face challenges with resilience. Above all, the story teaches us to appreciate the gift of life and never take it for granted.
The End
Moral of the Story: Be careful with what you say and wish for. Life has challenges, but with patience and resilience, you can overcome them and discover the true value of living.
Moral Values:
- Patience – Rushing to despair only brings harm; patience gives room for solutions to appear.
- Appreciation – Life is valuable, even when it feels overwhelming.
- Emotional Self-Control – Managing anger and stress prevents harmful decisions.
- Resilience – A balanced mindset helps us face challenges with strength and hope.
- Value of Rest – Taking breaks is not weakness but wisdom; overwork can blind us to life’s true meaning.
👉 Explore our full collection of free play scripts for kids, perfect for classroom performances
👉 External Resources:
- Workplace stress: A neglected aspect of mental health wellbeing (PMC / NCBI)
- Workplace Stress: Causes, Impacts And Solutions — Forbes
- Storyberries – “Circles” – A short illustrated story about loss & dying, good for reading with children and discussing grief.
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