Frank Underwood, a ruthless House Majority Whip, seeks revenge after being passed over for Secretary of State. He manipulates everyone around him, including reporter Zoe Barnes, with whom he begins an affair, and Congressman Peter Russo, whom he uses to advance his agenda. Frank's wife, Claire Underwood, is equally ambitious, running her own non-profit and strategically navigating political waters.

The central conflict revolves around Frank's relentless pursuit of power. He orchestrates the downfall of the Secretary of State nominee and uses a tragic accident to his advantage. Frank’s manipulative tactics escalate, leading to Peter Russo's demise, staged as a suicide. He then sets his sights on the Vice Presidency, facing opposition from powerful figures like Raymond Tusk.

The season culminates with Frank securing the Vice Presidency. However, his actions have created enemies, and Zoe Barnes is tragically killed while investigating his crimes. Frank and Claire stand together, ready to continue their ascent, while Frank's loyal aide, Doug Stamper, is left in a precarious position.

Season 1 of House of Cards covers episodes 1-13. Here's everything that happened:

Season 1, Episode 1: Chapter 1 - Frank Underwood, a snubbed House Majority Whip, vows revenge after being denied the Secretary of State position. He strategically suffocates an injured dog at the episode's start, symbolizing his ruthless pragmatism. Frank then forms an alliance with reporter Zoe Barnes to leak information. Congressman Peter Russo is manipulated by Frank after a DUI incident is covered up. The episode concludes with Frank and Claire ready to take on their enemies.

Season 1, Episode 2: Chapter 2 - Frank manipulates the education bill and Zoe to undermine Secretary of State nominee Michael Kern by leaking an old editorial. Claire coldly downsizes her non-profit staff. Russo is sent to Kapeniak to validate the story. Kern's nomination is destroyed. Frank then plants Catherine Durant's name as a replacement. The episode concludes with Frank encountering a homeless man, telling him nobody cares.

Season 1, Episode 3: Chapter 3 - Frank travels to his hometown after a teenager dies texting while driving, distracted by the Peachoid, a local landmark he fought to keep. He confronts Oren Chase, who is using the tragedy against him. Claire attempts to recruit Gillian Cole for her non-profit. Frank delivers a eulogy and manipulates the situation to his advantage. He secures a scholarship in the girl's name and averts a lawsuit. The episode concludes with Frank effectively neutralizing the threat and returning to D.C..

Season 1, Episode 4: Chapter 4 - Frank manipulates Speaker Birch by offering Rasmussen his position. Russo is strong-armed into accepting a shipyard closure in his district. Claire rejects Remy's donation and reconnects with photographer Adam. Zoe quits her job after Hammerschmidt insults her. The episode concludes with Zoe and Frank beginning an affair.

Season 1, Episode 5: Chapter 5 - Frank's affair with Zoe deepens, leading to compromising photos. Claire's gala faces disruption from a teachers' union dispute, but Frank orchestrates a successful outdoor event. Peter Russo spirals, ending up at the Underwoods where Frank offers him a razor. Russo survives the night, setting the stage for a new plan.

Season 1, Episode 6: Chapter 6 - Frank manipulates Zoe to blame Spinella for the brick attack on his home. Claire drafts a bill for Peter Russo's gubernatorial run. Frank orchestrates a smear campaign against Spinella, fueled by a tragic shooting of a child. Claire visits a dying Steve, leading to a shocking act of intimacy. Walker allows Frank to keep the education bill intact. The episode concludes with Frank's victory over Spinella and the teacher's strike, but leaves Meechum in Frank's debt.

Season 1, Episode 7: Chapter 7 - Frank secures Walker's trust after the education bill passes. Russo begins his gubernatorial campaign, attending AA meetings with Doug. Stamper deals with Rachel Posner's blackmail attempt, housing her with Nancy. Zoe gets closer to Frank, trading information for intimacy. The episode concludes with Frank visiting Zoe, solidifying their manipulative relationship.

Season 1, Episode 8: Chapter 8 - Frank revisits his military college, where he reminisces with old friends and confronts past feelings for a male classmate. Peter Russo returns home to rally support for his gubernatorial campaign, managing to win over disgruntled shipyard workers after a physical altercation. The episode concludes with Frank giving a speech, reflecting on the fleeting nature of moments and legacies. Frank ultimately dismisses revisiting his past, choosing his current path.

Season 1, Episode 9: Chapter 9 - Frank faces hurdles with the Watershed Bill as Claire undermines him for her own ambitions. Peter campaigns with the VP, gaining support, while his children face bullying. Zoe ends her relationship with Frank. Ultimately, Claire's actions lead to the bill's failure, leaving Frank without a win.

Season 1, Episode 10: Chapter 10 - Frank discovers Claire undermined the Watershed Bill, causing conflict in their relationship. Peter Russo's renewed resolve to stand up to Frank crumbles as he relapses. Frank capitalizes on this, leading to Russo's demise. The episode concludes with Frank setting his sights on the Vice Presidency.

Season 1, Episode 11: Chapter 11 - Frank manipulates VP Matthews to run for governor, setting himself up for the Vice Presidency. Peter Russo, spiraling after his failed campaign, seeks solace in alcohol and attempts to reconnect with his children. Frank drives a drunk Peter home from the police station and murders him by carbon monoxide poisoning, staging it as a suicide. The episode concludes with news of Russo's death reaching the White House.

Season 1, Episode 12: Chapter 12 - Frank travels to St. Louis to meet Raymond Tusk, whom President Walker considers for VP. Frank discovers Tusk influenced Walker against appointing him Secretary of State. Zoe and Janine investigate Peter Russo's death, suspecting Frank's involvement. Tusk offers Frank a deal, but Frank leaves, unwilling to agree without knowing the terms.

Season 1, Episode 13: Chapter 13 - Frank maneuvers to secure the Vice Presidency, battling Raymond Tusk. Zoe, Janine, and Lucas investigate Frank's connection to Peter Russo's death. Claire faces a lawsuit from Gillian Cole. Frank accepts the Vice Presidency. The episode concludes with Frank and Claire running together, as Doug's call goes unanswered.