In this chapter, we are introduced to a number of characters, each of whom is a member of a different social class. The first person we meet is Mishima, the protagonist of the novel. She is the protagonist's mother, and she tells us that she is the mother of the protagonist, Mishima. Mishima's father is the president of the country where the novel is set, and Mishima is the head of the household. She tells Mishima that Mishima has come to visit her, but Mishima cannot see Mishima because she is distracted by the sounds of the crowd. She says that the president sent Mishima a card that he did not want her to have, because he does not want Mishima to get comfortable in the presence of other players. Mishu, the leader of the party, is also present, but he is not allowed to speak to Mishima as she is busy playing cards with the other members of her party