To Use a Prologue or
Not by Jeanne Harrell
A prologue can be
compared somewhat to the opening remarks in a trial. A lawyer faces the jury to
explain how he will conduct his part of the trial, what evidence and items of
discovery will be admitted. The beginnings of ancient books were important
because the author would give some indication of the book’s contents, and
define the subject to be discussed.
In today’s novels,
prologues are often not used well or at all. Apparently, editors hate them,
writers are confused how to use them and readers simply skip ahead to start the
novel. In a novel by J.A. Jance, ace crime fiction writer, I found myself
impatient with the poor victim’s story in the prologue and hurried on to
chapter one to see what the protagonist was up to. Later I felt guilty at my
lack of concern and read the prologue because
I should. That’s not a good reason to read a prologue.
J.K. Rowling
didn’t bother with prologues. It was full-speed ahead into her latest Harry
Potter story; she had much to say and wanted to get right with it. Sara
Blaedel, Danish crime writer, will use a prologue to set up a story and make
you come back later to check certain startling details and say, “Aha! That’s
what she meant.”
It seems to be the
rule of thumb with prologues to not
use one if it’s for: a) a massive information dump or b) if it has nothing to
do with the main story. As a mystery and romance writer, the latter in that
rule resonates the most with me. The spy novel I’m currently working on has a
prologue I questioned from day one. Why did I write it? The scene had actually
happened to me, sparking the idea for the book. Does it have anything to do with
the plot? No.
There’s my answer,
so I cut it.
It’s interesting
that writers are turning away from prologues more often than not these days,
but movies and television shows use them religiously. Older shows like Columbo and Murder, She Wrote always began with a murder but no suspects. Newer
shows like CSI and Law and Order do much of the same. Even
a comedy like Trainwreck gives the
viewer an idea in the beginning why Amy Schumer’s character is out of control.
So if you’re set
on using a prologue, make sure it has relevance. If not, it’s an effort in
futility and a possible reason for a reader to put down your book. And that
will never do.
Check out my blog
and latest titles on www.jeanneharrell.com
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Happy reading from Jeanne Harrell!
I've not included a prologue or an epilogue in anything I've written, but I always read both when I encounter them in a book I'm reading. I give the author the benefit of the doubt that if she's included a prologue/epilogue, it must be important to the story. I'm not out much if that turns out not to be the case.
ReplyDeleteThe best use of prologue I've ever encountered is in the Dirk Pitt books by Clive Cussler. He uses the prologue to give the reader a particular historical situation that serves as the catalyst for what happens in the contemporary plot.
Such a great post. My first book included a prologue which my editor strongly suggested I remove for many of the same reasons you listed. Lesson learned!
ReplyDeleteThe writing process is full of "Lessons learned!" I would heartily agree with you and Kaye.
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ReplyDeleteI used prologues and epilogues in my earlier work, but I don't do it anymore. I just write Chapter One and more on.
ReplyDeleteI have read articles that encourage authors to eliminate prologues because the studies show readers are put off by them. It's like a giant flashback right there at the beginning.
A good article, Jeanne.
Thanks, Sarah!
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