{"id":5384,"date":"2023-05-16T16:28:56","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T15:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/?post_type=writing_tips&#038;p=5384"},"modified":"2025-09-08T17:27:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T16:27:55","slug":"how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter","status":"publish","type":"writing_tips","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We all know the saying, &#8220;You never get a second chance to make a first impression.&#8221; Well, the same holds true for your writing. The <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/preface-introduction-foreword-and-prologue-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prologue<\/a> or first chapter of your story acts as the literary handshake, the grand entrance that sets the stage for the entire narrative. Here are some quick tips on how to make a great first impression by writing a great prologue or first chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start with a Bang<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The beginning of your story should grab the reader&#8217;s attention and leave them wanting more. Here are some ways to make your opening unforgettable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use strong imagery to <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-to-craft-the-perfect-story-setting-with-downloadable-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">set the scene<\/a> and create a mood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start with a shocking or unexpected statement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open with a question or a cliffhanger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce a fascinating <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/a-foolproof-character-cheat-sheet-with-downloadable-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">character<\/a> or setting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Begin in the middle of the action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a sense of urgency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establish the Stakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to keep your readers invested in your story, they need to care about what happens to your characters. Here are some methods for creating high stakes early on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduce a problem or goal that your protagonist needs to achieve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show the consequences of inaction or failure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish the consequences of success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show what the character stands to lose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a ticking clock or deadline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-to-write-subtext-for-depth-and-complexity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">subtext<\/a> to hint at more significant stakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull novlr-cta has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#000000;background-color:#f8f9fc\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"778\" height=\"194\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1.png\" alt=\"Novlr logo\" class=\"wp-image-5163 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 778px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 778\/194;width:150px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1.png 778w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1-768x192.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 778px) 100vw, 778px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"schedule-a-visit\" style=\"font-size:22px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.15\"><strong>Write more, write better, and achieve your goals with Novlr!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-7d812b4c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-25\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/signup\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#212638;font-size:15px\">Sign up. It&#8217;s free!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build Tension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tension is the key ingredient that keeps your readers on the edge of their seats and turning pages. Here&#8217;s how to create it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use foreshadowing to hint at what&#8217;s to come.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a sense of unease or danger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/using-conflict-to-move-your-story-forward\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">conflict<\/a> between characters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use dialogue to build tension.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a sense of mistrust or uncertainty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use pacing and sentence structure to create a sense of urgency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Develop Characters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your readers will be invested in your story if they care about your characters. Here&#8217;s how to make them care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Give characters a unique <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/choosing-your-narrative-voice-which-option-is-right-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">voice<\/a> and personality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show their strengths and weaknesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure their motivations are clear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give them a backstory and a history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show, rather than tell, their traits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a character arc that shows growth or change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Setting to Create Atmosphere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/5-writing-exercises-to-help-you-create-vivid-story-settings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Setting<\/a> can create a mood and a sense of atmosphere that will draw your readers in. Here&#8217;s how to use it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use sensory details to create a vivid picture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a sense of place and time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use symbolism to create a deeper meaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show how the setting affects the characters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the weather to create mood and atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the setting to foreshadow events to come.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By following these tips, you&#8217;ll be able to write a great prologue or first chapter that will keep your readers engaged and eager to continue reading. And don\u2019t forget, your opening chapter or prologue doesn\u2019t have to be the first thing you write! Feel free to play around with timelines and chapter order &#8211; you never know what surprises lie in store once you take a step back from your work and look at it as a whole.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":5385,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"class_list":["post-5384","writing_tips","type-writing_tips","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter | The Novlr Reading Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to write a great prologue or first chapter for your story with our quick tips series and hook your readers from the very start.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter | The Novlr Reading Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to write a great prologue or first chapter for your story with our quick tips series and hook your readers from the very start.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Novlr Reading Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/novlr\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-08T16:27:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Frame-19-1024x664.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"664\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@novlrtweets\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter | The Novlr Reading Room\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Frame-19.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-05-16T15:28:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-08T16:27:55+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to write a great prologue or first chapter for your story with our quick tips series and hook your readers from the very start.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Frame-19.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Frame-19.png\",\"width\":2106,\"height\":1366,\"caption\":\"blog header - how to write a great prologue or first chapter\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/writing_tips\\\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Novlr Reading Room\",\"description\":\"Your one-stop blog for writing tips, advice, and inspiration.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Novlr\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/Novlr-logo-square.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/Novlr-logo-square.png\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"Novlr\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/novlr\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/novlrtweets\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/novlrofficial\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.threads.net\\\/@novlrofficial\",\"https:\\\/\\\/novlr.tumblr.com\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/bsky.app\\\/profile\\\/novlr.org\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter | The Novlr Reading Room","description":"Learn how to write a great prologue or first chapter for your story with our quick tips series and hook your readers from the very start.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow"},"og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter | The Novlr Reading Room","og_description":"Learn how to write a great prologue or first chapter for your story with our quick tips series and hook your readers from the very start.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/","og_site_name":"The Novlr Reading Room","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/novlr\/","article_modified_time":"2025-09-08T16:27:55+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":664,"url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Frame-19-1024x664.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@novlrtweets","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/","url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/","name":"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter | The Novlr Reading Room","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Frame-19.png","datePublished":"2023-05-16T15:28:56+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-08T16:27:55+00:00","description":"Learn how to write a great prologue or first chapter for your story with our quick tips series and hook your readers from the very start.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Frame-19.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Frame-19.png","width":2106,"height":1366,"caption":"blog header - how to write a great prologue or first chapter"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-great-prologue-or-first-chapter\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Write a Great Prologue or First Chapter"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/","name":"The Novlr Reading Room","description":"Your one-stop blog for writing tips, advice, and inspiration.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/#organization","name":"Novlr","url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Novlr-logo-square.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Novlr-logo-square.png","width":1080,"height":1080,"caption":"Novlr"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/novlr\/","https:\/\/x.com\/novlrtweets","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/novlrofficial\/","https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@novlrofficial","https:\/\/novlr.tumblr.com\/","https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/novlr.org"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/writing_tips\/5384","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/writing_tips"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/writing_tips"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}