Lemony Snicket is often despondent, mostly about his published research, which includes A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Composer Is Dead. Due to the world-wide web of conspiracy which surrounds him, Mr. Snicket often communicates with the general public through his representative, Daniel Handler. Mr. Handler has had a relatively uneventful life, and is the author of three books for adults, The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, and Adverbs, none of which are anywhere near as dreadful as Mr. Snicket's.

Matthew Forsythe is the illustrator of the New York Times Notable Children's Book My Name is Elizabeth and was the lead designer on the television series Adventure Time.

He was born in Toronto and now splits his time between Montreal and Southern Ontario, where he designs and illustrates.