Definition of prologue
1 : the preface or introduction to a literary work. 2a : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the beginning of a play. b : the actor speaking such a prologue. 3 : an introductory or preceding event or development.
What is a prologue example?
For example, imagine you’re writing a story about World War II: you could include a prologue explaining the historical context, or you could write a scene in which two characters discuss what’s been happening in the world, so that the reader gets the same information, just less directly.
Does the word prologue mean?
A prologue or prologe (from Greek πρόλογος prólogos, from πρό pró, “before” and λόγος lógos, “word”) is an opening to a story that establishes the context and gives background details, often some earlier story that ties into the main one, and other miscellaneous information.
What word type is prologue?
(proʊlɒg , US -lɔːg ) Word forms: plural prologues. 1. countable noun. A prologue is a speech or section of text that introduces a play or book.
Should my book have a prologue?
If you have the information you must convey to the reader that can’t be worked into the main novel, you may need a prologue. If the story doesn’t make sense without the prologue. If you can remove the prologue (or a reader can skip it), and their understanding is not damaged, a prologue is not necessary.
Can a prologue be a flash forward?
Backstory-Dramatized Flashback, Dream, or Flash-Forward
Another prospect is including a flash-forward—an event that happens in the future of the story about to be told. This event is inserted as a prologue.
Who writes prologue?
The story is written in first person, and the prologue is in third person. The prologue focuses on a secret of one of the characters (which the main character would have no way of knowing, and the author would not otherwise be able to tell the reader due to the first person perspective).
How long should prologues be?
The length of a prologue depends on the nature of the story, but it’s best to keep it trim. One to five pages should suffice. “I don’t mind prologues if they fit the story, and I do like them fairly short,” says agent Andrea Hurst, president of Andrea Hurst & Associates.
What do you call a prologue at the end?
An epilogue, like a prologue, is a section of a book that extends the main narrative. Except the epilogue comes after the main story.
What is prologue in wattpad?
“A prologue is used to give readers extra information that advances the plot. It is included in the front matter and for a good reason! Authors use them for various purposes, including: Giving background information about the story.
How do you start off a book?
How to Write a Good Hook & Start Your Novel with a Bang!
Startle readers with the first line. Begin at a life-changing moment. Create intrigue about the characters. Use a setting as the inciting incident. Up the stakes within the first few pages. Introduce something ominous right away. Set the mood.
Can a prologue be in the future?
Protagonist (Past or Future): These prologues are great for showing a pivotal moment for the protagonist—either in the past or in the future (such as a defining moment years ago or after the main plot has taken place).
Why is prologue important?
Prologues have an important role in a novel or movie. They provide the readers and viewers with an introduction into the story that will unfold. It could foreshadow the conflict or might even provide a little back story.
Does a prologue ruin the story?
Prologues can serve a purpose, but they can also detract from a story, especially from the impact of the story’s opening pages. If you need or insist upon a prologue, make it a great one. Make it accomplish your purpose without interfering with the flow and impact of the full story.
Does Harry Potter have a prologue?
For example, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone the first chapter is much like a prologue in that it shows events that occur when Harry is a baby — before the reader begins to see the story through Harry’s eyes. The novel begins in Vernon Dursley’s point-of-view, and later switches to Dumbledore’s.
Does a prologue count as a chapter?
There is no difference between a prologue called a prologue, and one called ‘chapter one’. If the information is irrelevant to the story, do not include it. If the information is relevant to the story, but only in a setting/atmospheric context, include it only when you need to establish that setting/atmosphere.
