Carmilla, Chapter 1 summary

What happens

1. The narrator describes her isolated castle, its distant neighbors, and nearby ruins associated with the extinct Karnstein family.
2. She introduces her father, two governesses, and limited circle of visitors.
3. At about six, she wakes alone and finds a beautiful young woman who soothes her and lies beside her.
4. She wakes with piercing pain in her chest, screams, and sees the woman apparently hide beneath the bed.
5. Servants find no injury, but search anxiously and begin a nighttime watch that continues until she is about fourteen.
6. A doctor treats her, adults offer explanations she doubts, and an elderly man leads prayers in her room.

In this chapter

Quick check