Harry Lesser, a Jewish-American writer who is the last remaining tenant in an abandoned New York apartment building, is desperately trying to finish his novel. One day he discovers he is not alone. African-American writer Willie Spearmint is using the space to come to terms with his "violent and socially-oppressed" past through his work. The two men come to an uneasy peace, living in the building and working with and against each other as they pursue finishing their novels. As distrust grows between them, the uneasy friendship falls to the wayside, replaced by jealousy, rage and violence.