The first chapter of Mohsin Hamid's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" has the function to introduce the story's protagonist. His introduction is told by his meeting with the listener of the story, which is immediately recognised as an American thanks to Changez' spirit of observation.

In the very first part of the novel, the setting is introduced too. They are in Lahore, Pakistan, in a Cafè. Here, Changez creates curiosity in the listener saying that he studied in Princeton, in the USA.

After this, he decides to tell his story starting from when he was selected by Princeton for his brilliant skills. During the chapter, the reader will know so much about his family and his origins, and these informations will turn out very useful during the novel to understand the social status his family had in his Native country.

At this point, Mr. Hamid gives a detailed description of Changez's first work interview at the "Underwood Samson". This is a very important step because the protagonist gets in touch for the first time with Americans'working mentality. It is hungry, strict and always focused on making the most of what somebody knows. The writer makes the reader know that Changez did his best to focus and to give the better first impression he could. 

At the end of the first chapter Changez's recieves a work offer from the company. He also remarks the importance that his years in Princeton had, to make him pass the interview.