The story starts when the children learn of their parents death while sitting on a beach. Mr. Poe, a banker, comes to give them the news and oversee that they find a new home . He gives them to their nearest relative, Count Olaf. Though the children seriously doubt the count is actually their relative, he becomes their guardian. He and his acting troupe treat the children horribly. They force them to cook and clean their house, which is filthy and dilapidated . One day the children find a friend, their next door neighbor, Justice Strauss. She lets them use her library ,and is sympathetic and compassionate towards them and their situation. The children ask for her help in buying ingredients for a dinner that Olaf has ordered them to cook for him and his troupe. There is no food in his house, and the kitchen does not have proper utensils, pots, or pans to cook with. However, with the help of Violet's inventions, Klause's research skills, and Sunny's culinary knowledge, the children cook up a mouthwatering feast of pasta puttanesca. This, unsurprisingly, does not satisfy Olaf, who wanted his favorite dish, roast beef.
The children ask Mr. Poe for help in the matter of their evil degenerate guardian . Nevertheless, Mr. Poe is not the smartest or most understanding banker, and tells the children that the count is a fine guardian . However, unbeknown to Mr. Poe , Olaf has devised a plan to obtain the orphan's money left to them after their parents demise. Olaf puts together a play with his troupe,