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My Notes
The Millionaire Miser:
A Buddhist Fable
Told by Aaron Shepard
ROLES/CHARACTERS: Narrators 1–4, Sushil, Boy, Nirmala, Sakka, Man, Woman,
Servant, Other Townspeople
NARRATOR 1: Sushil was a miser. Though his treasure house was full, he was too stingy to give away even the smallest coin.
NARRATOR 4: And since food cost money, he ate almost nothing, and starved his family and servants besides.
NARRATOR 2: One morning, as Sushil took his daily walk through town, he saw a boy eating a sweet rice dumpling.
BOY: (makes loud sounds of enjoyment as he eats)
NARRATOR 3: Sushil’s mouth watered as he made his way home. He said to himself,
SUSHIL: If only I could ask my wife to make me a sweet dumpling. But if I wanted one, so would my wife. And if my wife wanted one, so would the children. And if the children wanted one, so would the servants. So I had better just keep quiet.
NARRATOR 1: When Sushil arrived home, he said nothing about a dumpling. But he wanted one so badly, he felt weak. His legs shook, and he had to go to bed.
NARRATOR 4: His wife, Nirmala, came to him. She asked, NIRMALA: What is wrong, my husband?
NARRATOR 2: Sushil lay groaning and clenched his teeth. NIRMALA: Is there something you want?
NARRATOR 3: Sushil’s face grew red, then purple. At last he squeaked,
SUSHIL: I would like a sweet rice dumpling.
NIRMALA: That is no problem. We are wealthy enough. Why, I will make sweet dumplings for the whole town!
SUSHIL: (gasps)
NARRATOR 1: Sushil gasped in horror.
SUSHIL: You will make a pauper of me!
NIRMALA: Well then, I will make dumplings for our family and servants. SUSHIL: Why would the servants need any?
NIRMALA: Then I will make them for us and the children.
SUSHIL: I am sure the children can do without.
NIRMALA: Then I will make one for you and one for me.
SUSHIL: Why would you want one?
Writing Workshop 9 • Script Writing 3
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