What Is a Prologue In Creative Writing?
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
What is a prologue? It’s an introductory scene or short chapter at the beginning of a novel or longer bit of writing. (The term “prologue” is often used for fiction, and an “introduction” or “foreword” is used for nonfiction.) But now that you’ve asked “What is a prologue?” and gotten an answer, you might wonder whether you should use one or not. How does the publishing industry feel about the prologue? Read on to find out.
What Is a Prologue and Should I Use One?
There are advantages and disadvantages to using a prologue. Do literary agents and publishers like them or dislike them? Is this a strategic choice?
Generally, the people who wonder “What is a prologue?” might want to add a bit of tension and conflict to their work. They might feel that their opening chapter is boring, and are looking to mix it up. Prologues are good for injecting a flash-forward into your story—a glimpse of a more exciting moment, where readers will be drawn in. The theory is that readers will want to know how we got to that high-stakes future moment, and start engaging with the story.
This is exactly why some agents and publishers dislike the prologue. It’s often used because the writer’s “real” just as if it’s little more than a gimmick.
Ready to kick off your story with a bang? Crafting a prologue that starts off with high tension might sound like a good idea, but you might actually be setting your reader up for a case of “Prologue Deflation” come the real first chapter. The trick is to create a dramatic and tantalizing start that offers just enough to keep the reader on the edge of their seat but doesn't give away the game. Keep the tensions high, the excitement intense, and you'll have your readers hooked!
I’m not opposed to novel prologues, and in some categories and genres, they are basically expected in today’s market. Just make sure your question of “What is a prologue?” is asked in service of the story, rather than out of insecurity about your true first chapter.
Rather than hiding the goods, playing games with readers, and covering up a weak opening plot or inciting incident, aim for a well-crafted, gimmick-free, and honest beginning to a novel. Although prologues can be exciting, they can also indicate to me that your storytelling craft is lacking. Wondering what is a prologue, and whether to use one? Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what feels right for your story.
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