Chapter 1 of “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway introduces the main character, Santiago, an old fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish. Despite his bad luck, Santiago remains determined to catch a big fish and prove his worth as a fisherman. He is also shown to have a deep respect for the sea and its creatures, as well as a strong bond with a young boy named Manolin, who used to fish with him but has been forced to work with more successful fishermen. The chapter sets the stage for Santiago’s upcoming journey and highlights the themes of perseverance, respect for nature, and the importance of relationships.