Chapter 1 Summary

The dictator of a country on the Caribbean Sea in South America, the General, is dead and his palace is invaded. The vultures have invaded the palace when the dictator died, and then the common people follow in. The narrator reminisces about the life and times of the General. During a long series of wars, known as the Federalist wars, the General becomes the Head of State of the nation. He is also head of the Liberals, and he is put into power with the help of the British Navy. Later the US marines occupy the country and finally leave. The occupiers leave because they are afraid of an epidemic of disease.

The General has a first death, but lives on until his second death, since the first death was of his double, Patricio Aragone. Patricio Aragone functions as the double of the...