Five years ago, I did a series called Writing Style Outcasts. It’s been a while since I’ve talked about one of these misfits of grammar. I’ve discovered the question is not why shouldn’t I use them but is when to use them.
I’d like to add prologues to these misfits of the writing craft.
A debate has raged in writing circles for a while. Should a writer use a prologue at the beginning of their novel? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of when to use prologues.
Use a prologue? Yes!
- Show key past events
The prologue for Venor Vinge’s A Fire Upon the Deep is an example of a well-placed prologue. a human research team unknowingly awakens a malevolent, godlike intelligence called the Blight from an ancient data archive, triggering its release into the galaxy and setting off catastrophic consequences. This event is not the main storyline; it just sets off the chain of events the main characters endure. Without the prologue, the event could have been weaved into the main story, but I feel it would have been confusing to the reader. - Introduce a different voice or timeline
In Vinge’s novel, the cataclysmic event happens in a different part of the galaxy. The prologue sets up an event that is ominous and creeping toward the other planets in the galaxy. This creates suspense. - Establish worldbuilding
Using A Fire Upon the Deep again, yes, the prologue sets up a science fiction world where technology has gained sentience. - To hook with a dramatic event
Needless to say, this same prologue definitely establishes a dramatic event: the destruction of a human colony of scientists. And the consequences are going to be felt throughout the galaxy.
So, it’s easy to say, Vinge’s prologue serves several purposes. Saying that, in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror, or any kind of speculative fiction, a prologue is usually not questioned.
Unless …
Use a prologue? No!
- Dump information
A prologue should never be an infodump. Instead, the writer should weave worldbuilding and backstory into the scenes as the plot progresses. The prologue should not read like an encyclopedia entry. Instead, it should focus on action. - Disguises chapter one
The writer should ask, “Can this prologue just be chapter one?” If it has the same time period and characters as chapter two, then it should be chapter one. A prologue should be different from the events of the early chapters of the novel. - Delays story
The writer should make should the prologue just isn’t an excuse to delay the true beginning of the story. Remember: the prologue should draw the reader in, not drag them along.
Here’s a litmus test
If a writer isn’t sure whether to include a prologue, here are some questions to ask:
- Is the prologue essential to the story?
- Does the prologue create suspense and mystery?
- Does the prologue give needed context for the rest of the novel?
- Will the reader be confused if they just jump into chapter one?
Ultimately, a prologue should . . .
Remember: a good prologue should raise questions, not answer them. Readers want to be intrigued. They want to figure out what is going on.
Friday’s Findings
- What is Subtext in Fiction – and How Can You Use it in Your Writing?
- How To Get More Book Reviews With Joe Walters
- How to Describe Your Setting Without Infodumping
- Juliet Blackwell: Make It a Terrible, Wretched Draft
- Emotional Awareness Is Your Most Powerful Writing Tool
Photo by Landiva Weber
Andrew M. Friday 
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