What is a prologue at the beginning of a book?

The Prologue in a book is always written by the Author. In the Prologue, the Author gives an introduction that sets the scene for the story. It is part of the book and should be read before chapter 1.

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You can always add a prologue after writing the first draft; you might want to consider the Pros and Cons before you begin writing.

Let’s define the Prologue in more detail.

What is a Prologue?

The Prologue is in the section of a novel that comes before the story’s true beginning. It can comprise a few lines or be as long as a chapter. 

A prologue frequently sets up the story, giving readers a view of events earlier, even years before, in the main characters‘ life.

A prologue provides background, reveals the character to the current point, establishes the story’s tone, or presents the theme.

A prologue stands out. 

Draws attention to specific events before or after the current storytime.

Use a flashback later in the story or express the past through discourse or personal thought in memory.

A prologue can be told in a distinct voice than the rest of the story or be presented by another viewpoint character.

A Prologue is to get the reader’s attention. Draws the reader into the tale.

An Inadequate Prologue will do the opposite.

A poor prologue doesn’t lure the reader in and can serve to keep them away. 

 Prologue to serve as an introduction. Compelling, relevant. 

And necessary.

Ask yourself these questions:

if the reader didn’t read the Prologue, would they still like to understand the story?;(interest)

Can the details in the Prologue be introduced in the main story itself, through dialogue, action or thought;? (Weave all the elements of the Prologue through the story to add to the flow)

Is the data from the Prologue so crucial that the reader must be aware as they read the story, from the exposure from the Prologue with the developing drama from the current storyline? 

Is the Prologue too slow and uninvolving on an excellent opening?;

Does it diminish your genuine introduction?

Prologues can meet a purpose, but they can also detract from a story, especially from the impact of its opening pages. 

Accomplish your purpose without interfering with the flow and impact of the whole story. 

Should I use a Prologue of Not? Pros

Understand what a prologue conveys 

Can reveal character stimulus.

Can swiftly establish tone.

Can swiftly establish questions in the reader’s mind. (They want to find the answers)

Can provide story direction or focus only a (few words or a chapter)

Cons

Delays the start of the current story.

Forces readers to think about elements and characters’ events that might not be involved for much time in the existing story (or might not have a part in the current storyline).

Can separate the reader’s focus.

It can keep readers from becoming fully involved in the right now of the story as they try to figure out how the Prologue has to do with other story events.

In conclusion, to Prologue or not to Prologue is Up to You As the Author and what your story is telling the reader in Chapter One.