How to write a prologue to a novel
The prologue is the introductory part of the novel that precedes the first chapter of the book. A good prologue is closely related to the plot of the novel, and is not just an additional chapter and is not an attempt to play for time. Determine the purpose of the prologue, write one or more drafts, and make final edits to create an effective prologue to your novel.
Determine the purpose and objectives of the prologue
Background. One option for a prologue is to tell the backstory of one or more characters. Thanks to the prologue, the need to use such tricks as flashbacks or interstitial novels in the main text of the novel disappears. Use this option, how do they do it essay writer if you need to reveal details of the character's past life outside of the main text.
Many authors are critical of the idea of dumping all the backstory or information about the past on the reader in the framework of the prologue. The prologue should be perceived as an integral part of the novel and contain information that cannot be communicated elsewhere in the text.
A prologue with a backstory should reveal to the reader the origin story of the plot of the main text of the novel and communicate the information that led to the main events. Show the life of an important character in the novel, or the background to an important event such as a war or conflict.
A way to get the reader's attention. Often authors use the prologue as an opportunity to create intrigue. Such a prologue should arouse the reader's curiosity. He needs a reason that will make him read page after page. Ask questions or draw pictures that will be developed in the book.
In an intriguing prologue, you can show an entertaining scene through which the reader will get to know an iconic character and learn about important events. Hint at subsequent events and briefly introduce the reader to one character or several characters.
Framing. Sometimes writers use the prologue as a framing device when a character talks about why he chose to write his adventures on paper. The character in the prologue becomes the narrator of the novel.
This approach is effective if the book is narrated in the first person or on behalf of one or two characters. Use the prologue to explain the character's motives for recounting the events.
A look at events through the eyes of other characters. Occasionally, a narrator is introduced in the prologue who does not appear again in the novel. The rest of the story will be told by others or by other narrators. This option is used only out of necessity or extremely good reason to show the character's, for example in research paper help point of view, which will complement the picture of events, reinforce the ideas or themes presented.
Such a prologue allows you to look at events through the eyes of a third-party character who does not have a “voice” in the main part of the novel. Further, you can use only one narrator, since the view from the side is already presented in the prologue.
Write a draft
Choose your preferred prologue. The prologue will only be effective if it is appropriate and consistent with the main text of the novel. Often the prologue is written when the work on the book has already been completed or is at the finish line. If you decide to write a prologue before starting work on the main text, then be sure to analyze how it will affect the rest of the novel.
The prologue should complement the story and be an integral part of the plot. Will it reveal the character, the setting, the narrator? Do you want to tell a backstory or use a framing technique?
If you need to write a prologue for a finished book, consider how it will interact with the first chapter. The prologue should intrigue the reader, match the quality of the first chapter or even surpass it. The prologue should not retell the details of the events of the beginning of the novel or give an excessive and secondary impression, otherwise it will turn out to be boring and dry.
Describe a scene that affects the reader's feelings. Often, a fast-paced scene is described in the prologue, especially in action and thriller films. Due to the rapid development of events, the prologue captivates the reader from the first lines. Choose your scene responsibly. For example, show events through the eyes of a particular character.
Engage all five senses so that the reader is immersed in events as much as possible. Describe smells, sensations, sounds and sights. Make the character interact with these aspects of the scene and make them a conduit that will introduce the reader to a new world.
Describe one or two scenes. A successful prologue is almost always brief and only touches on the main point. Use no more than two scenes, otherwise the prologue will be perceived as drawn out. Often one powerful scene can create an intriguing prologue and keep the reader interested.
Do not overuse time jumps, otherwise the prologue will be confusing and inconsistent. You should limit yourself to one or two timelines so as not to delay the introduction.
Consider the characteristics of the character's speech. If a narrator is introduced in the prologue, then the features of his speech should be considered. Will he talk to the other characters or think out loud? Consider the character's age, origin, and gender, as well as the influence of these aspects on his speech and way of thinking.
If in the prologue events are shown through the eyes of a character who will no longer appear in the text or will play an insignificant role, you can use physics homework helper then try to reveal such a character as much as possible. This approach will help to create a three-dimensional hero, whose actions are dictated by certain motives.
Provide background. If the purpose of the prologue is to show the reader events from the past or reveal the life of a character, then it is important to set out enough backstory. Point out intriguing details and demonstrate the importance of such details to the plot. The backstory of a character or events can also be linked to the larger ideas and themes of the novel.
Make edits
Write short and to the point. A good prologue will fit on three or four pages. Re-read the draft and remove everything unnecessary. Get rid of redundant and unnecessary details. A short prologue will be as effective as possible and encourage the reader to jump to the first chapter rather than abandon the book.
Speed up the pace of the story. The events of the prologue should develop quickly and dynamically. Don't go into lengthy explanations and don't reveal too many details. There is a whole book for this. Don't put information in the prologue that would be relevant elsewhere in the novel. Limit yourself to the necessary details.
Read the prologue aloud to yourself or another person to check the rhythm. Mark any awkward sentences or awkward moments in your draft so you can make the prologue smooth and concise later.
Evaluate how the prologue relates to the rest of the text of the novel. After editing, place the prologue before the first chapter and evaluate how appropriate it is. Is this start intriguing? Contains information that also appears in the first chapter? Does the prologue complement and add value to the novel?
The prologue must be compelling, even when separated from the novel. It should feel almost like a standalone story with a compressed storyline and conflict. Unlike the story, the ending of the prologue must be open. Submit a conflict that will be resolved or addressed in the text of the novel so that the reader wants to know how it all ends.
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