The Normal Heart

Act One

As the play opens, three men--Craig Donner, Mickey Marcus, and Ned Weeks--are waiting outside the office of Dr. Emma Brookner. Craig is very worked up as he is sure that his test results will reveal that he is dying. Unfortunately, he is correct.he is advised to collect his things from home and return to the hospital to check in. Ned, a writer, asks Emma what she knows about this mysterious disease that is killing growing numbers of gay men. She is frustrated by the lack of research and action being taken and wants someone to make some noise about it. Ned has a reputation for having a “big mouth” and Emma is keen for him to become a spokesperson for the gay community. She wants Ned to encourage gay men in New York City--and the nation--to stop having sex but Ned finds the idea preposterous. They are interrupted by the arrival of Bruce carrying the body of Craig, his lover. After a quick examination, Emma advises the men that “I don’t think your friend is going to live for very