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The central narrative follows three brothers—Peter, Martin, and Jack—who each inherit a plain coat and a will from their father. The father's will strictly forbids them from altering the coats, yet as fashions change, the brothers find ways to rationalize elaborate modifications. The brothers represent the three main branches of Western Christianity: Peter (Roman Catholicism): Becomes an authoritarian tyrant who adds excessive decorations to his coat. Martin (Anglicanism): Represents the "middle way," carefully removing some alterations while trying to preserve the original fabric. Jack (Dissenters/Calvinism): In his zeal to remove the decorations, he recklessly tears his coat, damaging the original garment.