Glengarry Glen Ross - Scene One Notes

Characters

• Levene: Also known as "The Machine," a struggling real estate salesman.
• Williamson: Office manager responsible for distributing sales leads.

Setting

• A booth at a Chinese restaurant.

Key Discussion Points

Levene’s Plea for Leads

• Levene argues for better leads, specifically the premium Glengarry Highlands leads.
• Claims that good closers should have the chance to handle these leads for better sales results.
• Asserts his past success and experience as justification for receiving better leads.

Williamson’s Role

• Insists that leads are distributed based on performance metrics.
• States he is simply doing what he's instructed to do - managing lead distribution.

Levene’s Desperation

• Expresses the pressure of not being on the sales board and fear of losing his job.
• Offers Williamson a percentage of his sales in exchange for premium leads, showing his desperation.

Business Ethics and Conflict

• Discussion highlights the cutthroat nature of sales and the desperation of salesmen to secure leads.
• Levene's willingness to bribe Williamson showcases the ethical dilemmas faced within the sales office.

Outcome of Scene One

• The discussion ends with Williamson refusing Levene's offer.
• Williamson emphasizes that leads are assigned based on the sales board performance, reinforcing office rules over personal relationships.
• Levene exhibits frustration and desperation, signaling a possible turning point or further actions to come.