Lindsay portrays real characters struggling with the social restrictions of the day.

In an attempt to prevent him falling into immorality and dragging the family along with him, Piper's mother arranges for him to be tutored by Mr Bandparts, a recovering alcoholic school teacher.

The arrangement soon backfires and Mr Bandparts is soon drinking beer with his young pupil and chasing the corpulent barmaid at the Royal Hotel.

Hetty is a domineering oldest daughter, who attempts to control the family morals and standing.

Ethel is a quiet younger daughter, who uses her shyness to cover her various seductions of young men around town.