The section before the first chapter of the book is the prologue.A good prologue is important to the novel and not just a bonus chapter or a stalling tactic on the part of the writer.To write an effective prologue for your novel, you will need to first recognize the purpose of the prologue, create one or several drafts, and then edit it to make it ready for print.
Step 1: The prologue can be used to give a back story.
There is a way to give a back story on a character.The writer can use this to avoid using other tricks in the novel.This option is useful if you are trying to cover up a character's past in your novel.Many writers argue against using a prologue as a way to dump a lot of information on the reader.Information that could not be found in other parts of the novel should be included in the back story.The origin of the quest or mission in the novel should be revealed in a heavy back story, which should include information about the past that leads up to the present action.The history behind an event, like a war or a conflict, that is touched on in a novel could be the history of a character who is important to the novel.
Step 2: The reader should be introduced to the rest of the novel.
A prologue is a hook that intrigues the reader.The reader's mind should be asking compelling questions.The reason to turn the page is to set up the reader with questions and images that will be addressed in the novel.A scene that introduces character and action is very important in a novel.It could allow your reader to meet one of your characters or several of them.
Step 3: The rest of the novel can be framed using the prologue.
A prologue is a framing device where a character is motivated to sit down and write a novel.The narrator for the novel will be the character in the prologue.If your novel is voice driven and dominated by one or two narrators, this method can be effective.If a writer feels they need to let the reader know why the story is being told, they will use a prologue.
Step 4: There is a different character perspective in the opening scene.
Sometimes a character's point of view is introduced only once.The rest of the novel can be told from several different points of view, and never focus on the character in the beginning.This option is usually done out of necessity or for a compelling reason, as you want the character's perspective to contribute to the novel as a while or reinforce themes or ideas.It is possible to use a point of view that is not used in the rest of the novel.You have already addressed the one character's point of view in your prologue, so it prevents you from violating your POV later in the novel.
Step 5: Pick which type of opening is right for your story.
To write an effective prologue, you need to think about the type of novel you're writing.When a novel is in its finishing stages or when the novel has been completed, prologues are often written.With no other chapters written, you should still think about how the prologue will affect the rest of the book.Think about how your novel will be enhanced by the prologue.Will it reveal a point of view or a setting?Is it a way to frame the rest of the novel?You should think about how the prologue will interact with the first chapter of the book.If you want your reader to stay with you, the prologue should be as strong as the details and scenes in your first chapter.The first chapter should not make the prologue feel redundant or boring, as this will likely lead to a boring and dry prologue.
Step 6: It is possible to create a scene with sensory details.
In action and thriller novels, prologues are often set within a scene.It helps to engage the reader right away with a fast pace.You should think about which scenes you would like to use.You may decide to use a character voice for this.To make a scene come alive for the reader, use the five senses and focus on what the scene smells like, sounds like and how it looks.Use your character as a way for your reader to access the scene by interacting with the elements.
Step 7: The goal is to have one to two scenes.
If the prologue is short and to the point, it will be successful.Too many scenes can make the prologue feel long and drawn out, so try to use only one to two scenes.One powerful scene can be used to draw the reader in right away.It's a good idea to avoid hopping around in time a lot in your prologue as it can make it seem confusing to the reader.Try to stay in one time period or within one to two time periods.
Step 8: A specific character voice can be used.
If you decide to use your prologue as a way to access a character's point of view, make sure you get into the voice of your character.Think about how the character speaks.Consider the age, background, and gender of the character, as well as how this might inform the voice or style of narration.If you want to explore the perspective of a character that doesn't appear again in the novel or only appears as a minor character, use the prologue.This is the time to show the reader more about the character and what makes them tick.
Step 9: Put it in the beginning.
If the purpose of your prologue is to reveal the past moments in a character's life, you should make sure there is enough background in the draft.Provide engaging details from the character's past and show why they are important to the rest of the story.The larger themes of the novel should be connected to the character's back story.
Step 10: The prologue needs to be short and to the point.
A good opening is usually no more than three to four pages.Cut your draft in half.It's not necessary to remove any details to have a nice story.Your reader stays engaged enough to move on to chapter 1 if you keep your prologue short and to the point.
Step 11: The pace needs to be fast and engaging.
The pace should be fast.You will have an entire novel to do this if you don't give away too much information.You don't have to cram information that might fit somewhere else in the novel.The essential details should be kept.One way to check the pace is to read it aloud to yourself or someone else.If there is a run on sentences or awkward moments in the draft, work them over until they sound right.
Step 12: The rest of your novel can be found in the prologue.
You should place your prologue in front of your chapter 1 once you have edited it.Do you think it feels like an engaging start?Is there any information in chapter 1?Does it help the novel?It should be strong enough to stand on its own.A contained story line and a conflict are what it should read like.Unlike a short story, the ending of your prologue should remain open.The reader wants more when a conflict is introduced in the novel.