Candide is a young boy living in the castle of Monsieur the Baron von Thunder-ten-tronckh in Westphalia. He has “the gentlest of dispositions” (3) and is open in mind and spirit. Candide is likely the son of the Baron’s sister and a gentleman she would not marry because his family pedigree could only be traced 71 generations. The Baron has a 17-year-old daughter, Cunégonde, and a son. Pangloss is the resident tutor, who teaches “metaphysico-theologico-cosmo-nigology” (4). His philosophy is that “there was no effect without cause” (4) and that “all is for the best” (4) in the universe. Candide avidly listens to Dr. Pangloss’ lessons and innocently believes him because nothing seems better than his current world: living with the Baron, seeing Cunégonde every day, whom he secretly loves, and listening to Dr. Pangloss.

One day, Cunégonde sees Dr. Pangloss “giving a lesson in experimental physics” (4) to Paquette, her mother’s chambermaid. She is suddenly “filled with desire to be a scientist” (4) and seeks out Candide after dinner one night. Hidden behind a screen the two kiss, but as their encounter escalates, the passing Baron, “observing this cause and that effect” (5), chases Candide out of the castle.