The novel opens in 16th century England with 16-year-old Orlando pretending to fight a shrunken head of what is referred to here as a “Moor.” Orlando’s family has been noble for as long as they can remember. His ancestors have been involved in many battles. While Orlando is too young to join the battles abroad now, he hopes to join when he is older.

The biographer describes the overwhelming classical beauty of Orlando.

As is his daily routine, Orlando writes voluminously. On this day, he fills more than ten pages with his verse drama. When Orlando begins to describe nature, he becomes overwhelmed and cannot write anymore.

Orlando leaves the house to be alone in nature. He lays under an oak tree, imagining he is a part of nature. While doing so, Orlando hears a trumpet. This sound alerts him that the Queen has arrived. While not explicitly identified, the Queen is Elizabeth I of England. Orlando rushes back to his house to dress appropriately for their meeting.

Already late, Orlando rushes to meet the queen. On his way there, he passes a shabbily dressed man that Orlando presumes is a poet. Despite Orlando’s intense curiosity, his shyness and tardiness cause Orlando to leave without speaking to the man.