The musical begins by introducing the main protagonist Alexander Hamilton, and sets his background as coming from a poor family, his father having left and his mother dying when he was 12 years of age. By use of his intelligence and "top-notch brain", Alexander travels to New York, in the developing nation of America, in hopes for a better life ("Alexander Hamilton"). Upon arrival in the summer of 1776, he immediately seeks out the young upstart Aaron Burr for advice, who in turn tells him to "talk less, smile more" ("Aaron Burr, Sir"). Alexander instead joins up with three revolutionaries: John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan, and gains their friendship and trust in the Revolution by impressing them with his knowledge and skill ("My Shot"), and the four sing about ear