In the opening chapter of The Maze Runner, we are introduced to Thomas, a teenage boy who awakens in a dark, confined metal box. The sensation of rising is disorienting, as he struggles to remember anything about himself or his past. The only things he can grasp are his name and a sense of urgency that comes from the inexplicable fear of the unknown.

As the box continues to ascend, Thomas experiences a rush of emotions—confusion, fear, and a primal instinct to survive. The box eventually halts, and the metallic doors swing open, revealing a vibrant and sunlit area known as the Glade. He is greeted by a group of boys who seem to be around his age, all of whom have also lost their memories. This collective amnesia creates an immediate bond among the Gladers, but it also raises questions about their circumstances.

Upon arriving in the Glade, Thomas is met with a mix of curiosity and wariness from the other boys. They introduce themselves and explain the basic rules of their society, but Thomas is overwhelmed by the sheer strangeness of his new environment. He learns that the Glade is surrounded by a massive maze, which is both a source of danger and mystery. The boys have established a rudimentary community, complete with designated roles, such as Builders, Runners, and Med-Jacks.

In his initial interactions, Thomas meets a few key characters, including Newt, who appears to be a calm and rational leader, and Alby, the head of the group. They explain to him that each month, a new boy arrives in the box, just as he did, and that they have been struggling to survive against the threats posed by the Maze and its inhabitants, the Grievers. The boys also discuss the rules of the Glade, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the need to maintain order.

Thomas feels an inexplicable connection to the Maze and a deep-seated desire to explore it, despite the dangers it presents. He begins to sense that understanding the Maze might hold the key to unraveling the mystery of their existence and ultimately finding a way out of the Glade. As the chapter concludes, Thomas is left with a mixture of hope and trepidation, aware that he is now part of a perilous struggle for survival in a world he cannot fully comprehend.

This opening chapter sets the stage for Thomas's journey and establishes the foundational elements of the story, including themes of memory, identity, and the instinct for survival. As the reader is drawn into Thomas’s plight, the questions about the Maze and the boys’ predicament linger, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation for what is to come.