As books written largely to entertain, the series does not offer particularly profound characters or complex themes. Most of the characters are caricatures, created to propel the plot or to entertain. Only the Baudelaire orphans come close to being fully human and somewhat believable. On the whole, characters simply allow the author to have fun. For example, the villain Count Olaf is an antagonist right out of a melodrama; he has no redeeming qualities. On top of pursuing the orphans relentlessly, Count Olaf has no eyebrows, a dirty house, no taste in theater, and his disguises are always apparent. His awfulness is a continuing tale itself.

The supporting characters, most of whom are dim-witted adults, are likewise flat but amusing. For example, the orphans encounter the honest and concerned Hector in The Vile Village, but he is too shy and humble to speak up...