The three plays forming the French Defense trilogy, center on the Paul Morphy Chess Club of New Orleans and a club member's psychotic breakdown - a modern ghost story. Playing serious chess, of course, provides an excellent metaphorical vehicle for depicting Player's struggle. However there are other issues explored in these plays than that of having a breakdown in New Orleans. The other characters in the French Defense have their own critical and important narrative arcs to tread. Weakness and strength of human character through the abstract emotions of love, compassion, failure, grief, and jealousy run throughout this trilogy.