Prologue;
The opening scene is set in its own chapter and labeled, 'Prologue', which is then followed by 'Chapter One'. Sometimes the prologue takes place a long time before the main story or it can take place a long time after the main story. If it is the latter then the whole novel is a flashback. "Occasionally a prologue consists of a real or fictional document-newspaper article or personal letter, court summons or last will-that prepares readers for the drama to come."*
There are two reasons why a prologue is useful. It can help bridge the gap between then and now. The reader more or less expects the story to start over again after a prologue. And it can engage a reader into the story and to continue to read.
To prevail, your prologue has to have a powerful guarantee of conflict. Using the prologue to set scene and character(s) doesn't work.
They do have drawbacks though. More writing. If you write a prologue you have to write a chapter one, meaning you write two opening scenes. "Polished to a high gloss, a prologue doubles the reader's opportunity to decide if she or he is not interested and put down your book"*
If you are going to write a prologue consider seriously if your readers will benefit from the time and effort you are putting into it or if it will confuse and put off the reader.
*Beginnings, middles and ends by Nancy Kress
Some tips for writing a informational prologue with excerts from 'Beginnings, Middles, Ends' by Nancy Kress
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Comments
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I've written one prologue for a story that I never finished, so I removed it.
I was set about four months before chapter one....sort of a hook to grab people and (hopefully) make them want to read the story.
I find them great, as long as they're not too confusing, or don't give away too much. -
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I myself have never written one. I don't have the feel from them. But I do believe in some instances they are very helpful. Thanks for reading this.
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