Prologue or chapter 1? - I'm a writer blog (2024)

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.

Does the prologue come before chapter 1?

And How Can Authors Use It? (with Examples) A prologue comes at the beginning of your book — after the technical information, the dedication, and the epigraph (if you have them), but before the first chapter.

Does a prologue count as a chapter?

In answer to your question, yes, it counts as a chapter, if it’s anything longer than a page. BUT: A prologue can count as a disqualifier, since it so often indicates that the author is not only an inexperienced writer, but an inexperienced reader.

Is a prologue first?

A prologue is a piece of writing found at the beginning of a literary work, before the first chapter and separate from the main story.

Is a prologue and introduction?

Prologues act as introductions that tell readers more about the setting, scene, characters, or overall topic. They start the story, but at a different point in time than the first chapter would. It’s often where a writer introduces backstory for their characters.

Is a prologue before or after?

A prologue is a scene that comes before the story. It’s something of import but something that doesn’t flow with the chronology of the story.

How long should a prologue be in a novel?

One to five pages

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.

Is a prologue necessary?

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.

What comes before chapter 1 in a book?

A foreword, which appears before chapter one, lends credibility to the book and author by praising the work, the writer, or both.

Should I read prologue of a book?

The prologue in a book is always written by the author of the book. In the prologue, the author gives an introduction that sets the scene for the story to come. It is part of the book and should be read before chapter 1.

Which comes first introduction or prologue?

You absolutely can have both an introduction and a prologue. Both are concepts which are well-familiar to readers; they will not be confused by it. If you do have both, the Introduction comes first, before any of the fiction begins.

What comes after a prologue?

The part of a book that comes between the prologue and the epilogue is normally called “the story“!

Is preface and prologue the same thing?

The main difference between preface and prologue is that preface serves as an introduction to the literary work whereas the prologue serves an introduction to the story in the literary work.


What is the difference between a prologue and an epilogue?

A prologue is an independent front matter of the novel, which gives an opening hint to the reader, as to what the story is all about. On the contrary, an epilogue implies a literary device, which is an additional and independent part of the literary work, which concludes the story.

What’s the difference between a prelude and a prologue?

As nouns the difference between prelude and prologue

is that prelude is an introductory or preliminary performance or event; a preface while prologue is a speech or section used as an introduction, especially to a play or novel.

What is an example of a prologue?

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.

Can a prologue be more than one chapter?

So the answer to your question ‘Can you make multiple prologues in your book?’ is no, because you shouldn’t have to. If you can’t make it into a single prologue, it shouldn’t go into a prologue. If you are setting up the backstories of multiple separate characters, that should be happening within the body of your book.


What does a good prologue look like?

A good prologue should set the scene for the story to come. This may include: Introducing important characters and themes. Setting out backstory required to follow the main narrative.

Prologue or chapter 1? - I'm a writer blog (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6027

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.