In the brief introduction to the fictional diary, “author” Charles Pooter asks why he should not publish a diary, considering that other people he never heard of do so. He thinks his diary is interesting even though he isn’t a “Somebody.” He says his only regret is that he didn’t start it in his youth. He notes his residence: “The Laurels, Brickfield Terrace, Holloway” (5).

Charles Pooter states that he and his wife, Caroline (called Carrie), have settled down in a new, rented home where he resolves to keep a diary. He describes his six-room house, with its garden and the side entrance that intimate friends always use to keep from interrupting the servant, Sarah. Pooter enjoys being at home after he finishes his work as a clerk in the City, London’s financial district. He notes that his old friend, Gowing, and neighbor, Cummings, often drop in. He is proud of their son, Willie (later called Lupin), who is getting along nicely in his work at the Bank at Oldham.

Pooter recounts visits from tradesmen and Gowing and Cummings. When Cummings falls over a paint scraper, Pooter puns that if he doesn’t remove it, he will “get into a scrape” (8); he adds that he doesn’t often make jokes.