Prologue = a no no? - Writers Forum

valeca · 02-28-2005, 06:32 PM

In my other novels, I haven't had the need for one, but I've had to resort to using a prologue in my current work.
(The circumstances surrounding birth of my main character are important as the story travels through her adult life. Yes, I'm refering to the 'Aztec' post)

I didn't want to start my story from her birth, and I wasn't sure how to weave this information in later...but is having this type of prologue a big no-no?

I didn't realize it was so common for people to skip a prologue and it's got me a little concerned that important information would be skimmed over if I leave it as is.

So, does 'prologue' = a big no-no?

valeca · 02-28-2005, 06:37 PM

Alrighty, scratch that.

It took all of 3 minutes (after trying for 4 days) to think of a way to weave the prologue into the main body of the story...eeesh!

Still, I'd be interested to hear what others thoughts on prologues are.

daniela · 02-28-2005, 06:53 PM

In your case, I do not think it is a "no-no." One of my objections to prologues is so many are poorly written when compared to the rest of the novel. Yours happens to be very good. Instead of sticking a large chunk of narration in front, you gave us an interesting and important scene. I do think it is better to find a way to weave it into the story, but if you cannot a well-written prologue is okay.

I am glad that you did find a way to fit it in. Some people do not even try to read the prologue and automatically skip it. It would be a shame for them to miss out and get lost later in the story. If it is the first time I have read anything by a particular author I at least try the first paragraph of the prologue to see if I can get through it without throwing the book across the room.

Good luck with the rest of your novel. I cannot wait to read more.

--DM--

Bhauger · 02-28-2005, 06:57 PM

I'd say just call it chapter one.

Talia_Brie · 02-28-2005, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhauger

I'd say just call it chapter one.

I disagree. As a fantasy writer I'm a big fan of the prologue. It should be used to introdcue story facts that are relevant but disconnected to the main story, either by time, location, or character participation.

For example, if the event occurs say, 10 years before the beginning of the core storyline, then a prologue is suitable. If the event occurs on another country, involving characters that will either not make another appearance in the novel, or not appear until close to the climax of the novel, then the prologue will suit.

Don't call it chapter one if it isn't the beginning of the core storyline.

mammamaia · 03-01-2005, 08:15 AM

val...
knowing what i know of your story, i'd strongly urge you to start with the birth... it would be the most dramatic beginning, and sets up the whole plot...

but i'd keep it down to a single page or even just part of one, then skip back to the 'pre'-story to show 'why' it's important, continuing in chronological order through the details of the birth and its consequences...

there are lots of other ways to do this, of course, but that's the way i think your story can best be told, while hooking the readers immediately, and not letting them off till the last word...

hugs, maia

eleutheromaniac · 03-01-2005, 05:51 PM

You had to 'resort' to using a prologue? You make it sound like plagiarism. A prologue is just another tool available to the novelist; if you feel your story would benefit from one, why not use it? Prologues and epilogues can often add to already great stories, providing closure and/or context. Prologues and epilogues usually signify a change in mood and tone from the rest of the novel, such as in Crime and Punishment. I really don't understand why there should be any aversion to prologues or epilogues, by readers or writers; you might as well ask if a writer should use a semi-colon.

daniela · 03-01-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniela

One of my objections to prologues is so many are poorly written when compared to the rest of the novel.

If you read a few of the fantasy novels that I have, you would understand why some people have an aversion to prologues, eleuth. Too many writers do not know how to do it right. They are putting a prologue in just because their favourite authors do without understanding how to write one and why it should or should not be included. Valeca's prologue was one of the rare good ones that I have seen on WF. A handful of well-written prologues are not going to get me over my bias towards them. How to write a good prologue or epilogue and when to use them would be a useful addition to the WF Bible.

By the way, I have an aversion to semi-colons and any other punctuation mark when a writer does not use them properly. Writers should not use them if they have not a clue how. Learn the "rules" first and then figure out how you can break them without looking stupid. That is what I am trying to do.

--DM--

valeca · 03-01-2005, 07:37 PM

eleuth,
I think I worded that badly..my apologies.
Lately, I had noticed several people saying they didn't like and/or didn't read prologues and it got me to thinking about my own. I was curious if they were something better left out.
I agree with you about the tone an mood though.

Daniela, thank you very much! I take that as high praise

I think I'll leave mine in, after all. I'd hate to see all that work go to waste.

forlorn phoenix · 03-04-2005, 04:35 PM

In my opinion, a prolog may be important to get the facts that aren't essential to the book, but that might give a little background to those who choose to be better aquainted to relate to the character.

But you can shorten this in a small scene just giving a little bit of information. It's the writer's choice.

Ajax · 03-04-2005, 05:02 PM

As a reader I've always approached the prologue as an optional piece. Read it if you want to, but if you don't you'll have to figure out what was there yourself.

Often I've found myself skipping it and then coming back after a few chapters and reading the blasted thing just to see if I'm missing something. Of course, by then I'm into the characters and the story, so I'm interested enough to read it.

I don't think there's anything wrong with a prologue so long as the story stands alone without it. If people don't want to read it then they'll skip it.

forlorn phoenix · 03-04-2005, 05:14 PM

Me earlier--"I don't think there's anything wrong with a prologue so long as the story stands alone without it. If people don't want to read it then they'll skip it."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajax

I don't think there's anything wrong with a prologue so long as the story stands alone without it. If people don't want to read it then they'll skip it.

Aparently, Ajax and I have the same point of view...
Basics-you must be able to read the book and understand without the prolog.

-The prolog just gives a little extra info for those who want it.

Verago · 03-07-2005, 02:19 PM

The only reason, I think, anyone skips the prologue is because it might give some useless piece of info;
Like a description of how some complex magic system or some race got its origins. Actually, I never read the LoTR prologues; I'm not even sure if they have prologues...The books were interesting anyway, with or without the prologues.

Lord Raiden · 03-07-2005, 02:45 PM

Actually, prologues are very useful in setting up a story. If the story doesn't need a prologue to get the story going, then you shouldn't need one. Using a prologue is arbitrary. Depends on whether the reader needs to be brought up to speed on something prior to the start of chapter 1, or if you can dive right into the chapter with no information to start the reader out on, building things up right from the beginning of the chapter.

Kajarow · 03-07-2005, 03:43 PM

I had the same problem as you, but since people skip the prologue I took it out, but it was up to you. I fit mine into about half a page so that people would read it.