The novel begins with Ralph making his way down to a lagoon.As the boys arrived, "they sat down on the fallen palm trunks and waited"

A group of boys dressed similarly in black appear. They are the choir and are led by a boy named Jack, who expects that

an adult called them. When he comes to realize that there are no adults around, he says that the boys will have to look after ourselves. As the meeting begins, Piggy tries to get all the names but is unsuccessful. Jack thinks Piggy is talking too much and tells him to shut up, calling him "Fatty."Ralph is surprised when Piggy doesn't join him for a swim and then mocks him for his asthma when he learns the reason.Piggy cautions Ralph that might not happen because the pilot told them an atom bomb went off and destroyed humanity.When Ralph gets out of the lagoon, he and Piggy find a conch shell.Piggy is chubby, has asthma, and wears glasses.Ralph corrects Jack and says the boy's name is Piggy, everyone laughs.