King Berenger, a weakened and fading ruler, is informed early in the play that he is dying, and the kingdom is likewise crumbling around him. Over four hundred years old, he has now lost the power to control his surroundings and is slowly losing his physical capabilities as well.

 

Through much of the play, he is in denial of his death and refuses to give up power. Berenger's first wife, Marguerite, along with the Doctor, tries to make him face the reality of his impending death. Berenger's second wife, Marie, sympathetically attempts to keep him from the pain of knowing his death is imminent.

 

The world around him crumbles, the furniture disappears, even the characters, leaving eventually the king speechless and alone.

 

At the end, the King himself becomes dust and disappears into darkness, becoming one with the void.