The Bad Beginning

Despite their tragic situation, the three Baudelaire children have strong assets that can help them get through the dark times. For each child, pick one strength and analyze its role in both their characterization and the novel as a whole.

The Count’s house contains pictures of eyeballs everywhere. Discuss why they’re there and what they represent about Olaf.

Beyond the eyeball drawings, several things about Count Olaf mark him as an evil person. How does Handler establish the characterization of Count Olaf?