Books A Series of Unfortunate Events 1 The Bad Beginning Lemony Snicket

The Bad Beginning is the first book in Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events." It begins with the Baudelaire siblings—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—learning that their parents have died in a tragic fire that also destroyed their family mansion. Their family banker, Mr. Poe, takes the orphans to live with Count Olaf, a distant relative they have never met before.

Count Olaf's home is dilapidated, and he treats the Baudelaires cruelly, making them share one small bedroom and forcing them to do heavy chores. Olaf hatches a sinister plan to marry Violet through a stage play called "The Marvelous Marriage," where Violet's character is to be married off, allowing Olaf to gain control of their vast fortune. The children soon realize Olaf's scheme and try to expose him.

Violet cleverly uses her non-dominant hand to sign the marriage document, invalidating the sham marriage. Despite their efforts, Olaf escapes with his henchmen after his plan is foiled. The Baudelaires find some comfort in their neighbor, Justice Strauss, who offers kindness but cannot protect them legally.