{"id":10599,"date":"2024-10-02T20:17:36","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T20:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.withinnigeria.com\/piece\/?p=10599"},"modified":"2025-08-06T18:41:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:41:30","slug":"how-to-write-a-prologue-readers-wont-skip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.withinnigeria.com\/piece\/2024\/10\/02\/how-to-write-a-prologue-readers-wont-skip\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Prologue Readers Won’t Skip"},"content":{"rendered":"

A prologue can be the perfect introduction to a book’s world, but they’re not easy to pull off. A great prologue will set the scene and intrigue readers without info-dumping or giving the game away. Many writers are intimidated at the prospect of writing one, but a few simple rules can keep your prologue on the right track.<\/p>\n

What Is a Prologue?<\/h2>\n

A prologue<\/strong> is a piece of writing<\/a> found at the beginning of a literary work, before the first chapter and separate from the main story. It introduces important information\u2014such as background details or characters\u2014that have some connection to the main story but whose relevance is not immediately obvious.<\/p>\n

The word “prologue” comes from the Greek “prologos,” which means “before word.” The Ancient Greeks frequently used prologues in dramatic theatre works, where they functioned more like the play’s first act.<\/p>\n

What Is the History of Prologue in Literature?<\/h2>\n

The invention of the prologue is attributed to Euripides<\/strong>, an influential Greek playwright and poet who predominantly produced tragedies about the darker side of human nature. Euripides\u2019 plots often featured passion and revenge.<\/p>\n

For a good example of how Euripides uses this literary device, consider the prologue to one of his most famous works, \u201cMedea.\u201d<\/strong> In the play, a woman takes revenge on her unfaithful husband by murdering him, his lover, and her children. But before we get to the action, an old nurse enters the stage and tells the audience some of the facts so far:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Medea and her husband, Jason, are having marital problems.<\/li>\n
  • Jason has run off with someone else.<\/li>\n
  • Medea has been stricken by grief and has even begun to despise her own children by Jason.<\/li>\n
  • The nurse ends her speech by saying the whole family seems doomed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    What Is the Purpose of Prologue in Literature?<\/h2>\n

    Prologues serve an integral role in fiction and playwriting. In modern literature, Geoffrey Chaucer started the tradition of using a prologue with his Canterbury Tales, a collection of 24 stories written from 1387 to 1400. Chaucer used his prologue as a roadmap for the entire work, which tells the story of a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.<\/p>\n

    A good prologue performs one of many functions in a story:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Foreshadowing events to come<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • Providing background information<\/strong> or backstory on the central conflict<\/li>\n
    • Establishing a point of view<\/strong> (either the main character or that of another character who is privy to the tale)<\/li>\n
    • Setting the tone<\/strong> for the rest of the novel or play<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      What\u2019s the Difference Between a Prologue and a Preface, Foreword, or Introduction?<\/h2>\n

      While prefaces, forewords, and introductions serve a similar function of providing additional context for the content to come, they have some key differences from a prologue.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • A preface<\/strong> is written from the author’s point of view, not a character or narrator. It explains the book’s origins, development, legacy, or aims and often acknowledges others who contributed. Prefaces are employed mainly in nonfiction books but may also be used in fiction.<\/li>\n
      • A foreword<\/strong> is written by a critic, subject matter expert, or other public figure who is not the author. A foreword typically introduces readers to the book by connecting its content or themes to their experience. Forewords are used in both fiction and nonfiction.<\/li>\n
      • An introduction<\/strong> is written from the author’s point of view and offers additional information, including historical context, to help the reader understand the book’s subject. Prefaces are employed mainly in nonfiction books.<\/li>\n
      • While it can adopt one of the forms above (as we\u2019ll see below), a prologue is always a work of fiction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        3 Famous Examples of Prologues in Literature<\/h2>\n

        To illustrate how a prologue can enhance a work of literature, here are three well-known examples of novels and plays with prologues.<\/p>\n

        \u201cRomeo and Juliet,\u201d William Shakespeare (1591-1595)<\/h3>\n

        One of the most famous literary prologues of all time, this prologue takes the form of a sonnet that introduces readers to the setting and characters of the play and the dire situation in which the two star-crossed lovers find themselves. The prologue begins as follows:<\/p>\n

        Two households, both alike in dignity,
        \nIn fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
        \nFrom ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny,
        \nWhere civil blood makes civil hands unclean.<\/p>\n

        Shakespeare doesn\u2019t hold back on spoilers; the sonnet reveals the play\u2019s tragic ending.<\/p>\n

        \u201cLolita,\u201d Vladimir Nabokov (1955)<\/h3>\n

        Nabokov\u2019s prologue is designed to heighten the controversy surrounding its subject matter. It takes the form of a fictional foreword by an academic who has supposedly discovered the book and is warning readers of its subject matter before chapter one. \u201cThese are not only vivid characters in a unique story: they warn us of dangerous trends; they point out potent evils,\u201d it reads. \u201c\u2018Lolita\u2019 should make all of us\u2014parents, social workers, educators\u2014apply ourselves with still greater vigilance and vision to bring up a better generation in a safer world.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Of course, such advice, fictional though it may be, only deepens readers’ anticipation of the \u201cevils\u201d to come.<\/p>\n

        \u201cJurassic Park,\u201d Michael Crichton (1990)<\/h3>\n

        Crichton offers two prologues, each showcasing a different style. The first reads like a legal document outlining the seriousness of an \u201cincident\u201d and the \u201cremarkable events\u201d that followed. The second prologue is more literary: a short scene, separate from the main story, in which a man is treated for an injury by a doctor in a remote village in Costa Rica. The doctor observes that the man seems to have been mauled by an animal. While treating him, the man wakes up and says one word: \u201cRaptor.\u201d<\/p>\n

        How to Write a Prologue in 3 Easy Steps<\/h2>\n

        Interested in adding a prologue to your book or play? Here are some tips for writing a great prologue.<\/p>\n

        Introduce the Main Characters<\/h3>\n

        Some twentieth-century plays have used prologues to great effect. In Tennessee Williams\u2019s The Glass Menagerie<\/strong> (1944), the prologue introduces the audience to the play\u2019s narrator, Tom Wingfield, who explains that what the audience is about to see is drawn from his memories. Tom tells the audience: \u201cI am the play’s narrator and a character in it. The other characters are my mother Amanda, my sister Laura, and a gentleman caller who appears in the final scenes.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Drop Hints and Build Suspense<\/h3>\n

        Crime fiction and thrillers often use prologues to hint at characters, locations, and the mystery to come. Sometimes, a prologue may be set centuries or miles apart from the book and appear wholly unrelated; however, it will somehow tie back into the main plot later in the novel.<\/p>\n

        Include Only Relevant Details<\/h3>\n

        A prologue should not be an \u201cinformation dump\u201d: a good prologue enhances your story rather than explaining it. The best way to decide what to include in a prologue is to ask yourself what the reader needs to know before reading the main story.<\/p>\n

        Common Mistakes to Avoid in Prologues<\/h2>\n

        Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your prologue captivates your readers:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Overloading with backstory<\/strong>: Resist the temptation to include every detail of your world\u2019s history.<\/li>\n
        • Making it too long<\/strong>: Keep your prologue concise and engaging.<\/li>\n
        • Using it as a crutch<\/strong>: Don\u2019t rely on the prologue for your story’s setup to do all the heavy lifting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          When to Use a Prologue and When Not To<\/h2>\n

          Deciding whether to include a prologue depends on your story\u2019s needs. Use a prologue if:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • You have an essential backstory<\/strong> that cannot be naturally woven into the main narrative.<\/li>\n
          • You want to set the tone or atmosphere<\/strong> distinct from the main chapters.<\/li>\n
          • You need to foreshadow events<\/strong> or introduce a key element subtly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Avoid a prologue if:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • The main story can stand alone<\/strong> without it.<\/li>\n
            • It feels like an information dump<\/strong> or doesn\u2019t add value to the narrative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              FAQs<\/h2>\n

              What is the main purpose of a prologue?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              A prologue introduces key elements of a story, such as background information, tone, or foreshadowing, without diving directly into the main plot.<\/p>\n

              Can a prologue be skipped?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              While some readers might skip prologues, a well-crafted prologue enhances the reading experience by providing context and intrigue.<\/p>\n

              How long should a prologue be?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              A prologue should be concise, generally no longer than a few pages, to maintain reader interest without overwhelming them with information.<\/p>\n

              Is a prologue necessary for all books?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              No, not all books require a prologue. It should only be included if it adds significant value to the story or enhances the reader\u2019s understanding.<\/p>\n

              Can a prologue be written in the first person?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Yes, a prologue can be written in the first person, especially if it provides a unique perspective or insight that enriches the main narrative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Many writers are intimidated at the prospect of writing one, but a few simple rules can keep your prologue on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":20986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"source_name":"","source_url":"","via_name":"","via_url":"","override_template":"0","override":[{"template":"2","single_blog_custom":"1119","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"right-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"top","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"0","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","show_post_reading_time":"1","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","show_zoom_button":"1","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"0","show_prev_next_post":"0","show_popup_post":"0","number_popup_post":"1","show_author_box":"0","show_post_related":"0","show_inline_post_related":"0","post_calculate_word_method":"str_word_count"}],"override_image_size":"0","image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post":"0","trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post":"0","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","sponsored_post_name":"","sponsored_post_url":"","sponsored_post_logo_enable":"0","sponsored_post_logo":"","sponsored_post_desc":"","disable_ad":"0","format":"standard","subtitle":""},"jnews_primary_category":{"id":"","hide":""},"jnews_override_counter":{"override_view_counter":"0","view_counter_number":"0","override_share_counter":"0","share_counter_number":"0","override_like_counter":"0","like_counter_number":"0","override_dislike_counter":"0","dislike_counter_number":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[489],"tags":[5898,5891,14191,14296,5894,14290,14301,14297,14298,14292,14299,14302,14295,14300,14293,14294,14291],"class_list":["post-10599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing","tag-how-to-write","tag-how-to-write-a-book","tag-how-to-write-a-book-for-beginners","tag-how-to-write-a-good-prologue","tag-how-to-write-a-novel","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue-example","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue-for-a-book","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue-for-a-memoir","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue-for-a-novel","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue-for-your-novel","tag-how-to-write-a-prologue-of-a-story","tag-prologue","tag-prologues","tag-should-i-write-a-prologue","tag-should-you-write-a-prologue","tag-writing-a-prologue"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Write a Prologue Readers Won't Skip » PIECE \u2014 WITHIN NIGERIA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.withinnigeria.com\/piece\/2024\/10\/02\/how-to-write-a-prologue-readers-wont-skip\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Write a Prologue Readers Won't Skip\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A prologue can be the perfect introduction to a book’s world, but they’re not easy to pull off. 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