Chapter 1 is divided into various parts, some of which are marked by sub-headings (marked hereafter with “[title]”). The novel begins with a description of Amory Blaine in his youth. Amory inherits his height and lack of resolution under stress from his father, Stephen Blaine. Stephen lives in the family’s background and is constantly busy caring for his wife, Beatrice. Beatrice Blaine is a remarkable woman who grew up in extreme wealth and attended school at a Roman convent. She is well-cultured in art and tradition, spending much of her youth living in Europe. She returns to America and marries Stephen. Her only child, Amory, is born in 1896, and she travels the country with him when he is between the ages of four and ten, teaching him art, culture, and social graces.

The Blaine family originates from Lake Geneva, Michigan, and they have an extensive family but few friends. Amory’s education stems mostly from the sophisticated experiences Beatrice exposes him to and a series of tutors while they travel. Despite this unorthodox education, Amory is intelligent and capable while having a social intelligence his peers often lack. When he is 13 years old, Amory’s appendix bursts.