The Climbers (play)

The Climbers is a four-act play written by Clyde Fitch. It premiered in 1901 and is a satirical commentary on the social climbing and materialistic pursuits of wealthy New York society at the turn of the 20th century. The play focuses on the Sterling family and their scramble to maintain their social status and fortune after the death of the family patriarch, Richard Sterling.

The plot revolves around the reading of Richard's will, which reveals a complicated financial situation and exposes the selfishness and ambition of the various family members. Each character is depicted as attempting to "climb" the social ladder, often at the expense of others and regardless of moral considerations.

Notable characters include:

• Mrs. Hunter Sterling: The widow, deeply concerned with preserving her social standing.
• Blanche Sterling: The beautiful and calculating eldest daughter, searching for a wealthy husband.
• Clara Sterling: Another daughter, involved in a secret romance.
• Richard Sterling Jr.: The son, burdened with the family's financial woes.
• Aunt Ruth Creighton: A perceptive and somewhat cynical observer of the family's machinations.

The Climbers was a popular success in its time and is considered one of Fitch's most significant works. It is noted for its sharp wit, realistic dialogue, and insightful portrayal of social dynamics within the American upper class. The play offers a critical examination of the values and behaviors that characterized the "Gilded Age" in the United States.