* Intriguing Setting: The story begins on a "colder December" day, immediately setting a bleak and foreboding tone. The description of the "piercing, searching" cold and the "icy wind" creates a sense of isolation and discomfort, contrasting sharply with the warmth and cheer of the holiday season.
* Mysterious Character: We are introduced to Ebenezer Scrooge, a man described as "a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner." This initial description paints him as an unlikeable and potentially dangerous figure, sparking curiosity about what makes him so wretched and what might happen to him.
* Intriguing Narrator: The narrator's voice is immediate and engaging, drawing the reader into the story with its dry wit and clear descriptions. The narrator's use of vivid language, like "covetous old sinner," immediately piques our interest in this character and his journey.
* Promise of Transformation: The first line of the story states that "Marley was dead: to begin with." This seemingly straightforward sentence sets the stage for the supernatural elements of the story and hints at a potential transformation for Scrooge. The idea of a ghost appearing to a miser at Christmas time creates a sense of suspense and intrigue, making the reader wonder how it will all unfold.
These elements combine to create a captivating beginning that draws the reader in and leaves them wanting more. The promise of a chilling, yet hopeful, story with a captivating character and intriguing plot is all set in place.