Wrong font/style constantly replaces desired font/style

[Grundoon Groundhog]

I am trying to import a Word document into ID. My document, a magazine, has long established styles. The "first paragraph of article" style includes a special initial cap. Even if I go to the paragraph menu BEFORE I start the import the "first paragraph of article" character is applied to the entire import. Even if I go to the character menu BEFORE I start the import and select the correct font the "first paragraph of article" is applied to the entire import. Even if I create a new text box BEFORE I try either of those solutions the "first paragraph of article" is applied to the entire import. Is there a weird preference I never set that is doing this? How can I make it stop? 

Also, if I manually correct the font, the initial cap of each paragraph is still the wrong size — the size of the initial cap in the "first paragraph of article" style. If I then try to apply the correct style, it reverts to the wrong font. 

And I lose all italic and bold in the original ms.

[1Mollybird]

Just wanted to let you know I found the problem. Not sure exactly how, but a character style was created with that large font style of 60 pt. I had put a note to myslef on a blank page where I wanted to insert a photo that I was waiting on from the client. I didn't realize it had created it as a character style named "Marker." I'm so relieved to find the culprit - which of course, my bad. Thank you all for your help.

[hasaplan]

Was having same problem. This worked for me when I did not have the text tool selected and then selected my preferred default styles (a paragraph style and no character style).

[Grundoon Groundhog]

It's always a bittersweet relief to find such an answer. I much prefer blaming the program to blaming myself. 

[1Mollybird]

Isn't that the truth! lol