Line of Descent tells the story of an American family rendered dysfunctional by their involvement in war. A conflict is heating up in Central America and Jack wishes to join the Marines, following in his father and grandfather's footsteps. However, being only seventeen years old he needs parental permission. CW, the grandfather, was a decorated Marine in WW2. Proud of the Marines and of his country, he encourages Jack to enlist. Willy, Jack¹s father, was a Marine in Viet Nam and has very different ideas about both the Marines and the worth of fighting in any war. Sherry, Jack's mother, is caught in the middle of this conflagration wanting both to help her son and to save her deteriorating marriage.