The Promotion

Set in Chicago around a Donaldson's supermarket, the story unfolds in and around the store, with the parking lot serving as a recurring stage for conflict and community reaction. The deli section and break room are focal points for the competition and workplace dynamics. The city setting frames the pressure, pride, and public perception driving the characters' actions.

🏆 Ambition & Rivalry

Two assistant managers compete for a single promotion, turning the workplace into a pressure cooker. Doug's push for the job collides with Richard's own flaws, exposing how ambition can blur ethics. The rivalry strains marriages and social ties as both men try to outdo each other. The final interview hinges on more than qualifications, testing what each is willing to risk.

🗣️ Public image

Public perception and reputation drive much of the plot, with the community and board scrutinizing every move. Doug's apology speech is designed to restore trust after a charged incident and to show leadership under pressure. The sign controversy and resulting fallout illustrate how small missteps can become big issues in the public eye.

🧪 Integrity under scrutiny

Both men face a decisive drug test that will determine the promotion, bringing private flaws into the open. The narrative contrasts bravado with vulnerability, revealing how past mistakes can haunt present opportunities. The resolution hinges on honesty, accountability, and whether character survives the pressures of ambition.