Bored with school, Lorraine and John search for other activities to fill the time. One of these (random phone calls) leads to a meeting with retired widower, Mr. Pignati, whose hobby happens to be collecting china, glass, and marble pigs. Although their contact with Mr. Pignati is instigated by the selfish intention of collecting money for a bogus "charity," Lorrain and John soon find themselves drawn into the older man's life. Counterpointed by scenes with their parents, their relationship with "The Pigman" moves steadily and surely from casual visits to deeper involvement to, inexorably, tradgedy. But, throughout the fast-moving action, a seed of understanding is nurtured - leading to a growing sense of compassion and "coming of age," that is strengthened and enhanced in the final poignant moments of the play.