If you’re an author, or even just a reader, you’ve probably heard the debate about prologues. Should you use them? Should you avoid them like the plague? It’s a topic that’s been discussed ad nauseam in the writing community, with some authors swearing by prologues and others claiming they’re a surefire way to lose readers.
So, several weeks after the storm on X, here is my view. The right one, of course.
What’s the big deal about prologues? For those who may be new to the writing world, a prologue is a section at the beginning of a book that sets the stage for the rest of the story. It’s often used to provide backstory, introduce a key character, or set the tone for the rest of the book. The debate about prologues centers around whether they’re necessary or not. Some authors argue that prologues are a great way to provide context and depth to the story, while others claim that they’re a crutch for lazy writers who can’t be bothered to integrate important information into the main narrative.
One of the main arguments against prologues is that they can be slow and boring. If a prologue is too long or too dense, it can put readers off and make them less likely to continue reading. And let’s be real, who hasn’t skipped over a prologue at some point because it was just too darn boring?
On the other hand, some authors argue that prologues are a great way to hook readers from the very beginning. A well-written prologue can set the tone for the rest of the book and draw readers in with an interesting character or situation. And let’s not forget that some of the most iconic books in literature have prologues that are still widely read and loved today.
So, what’s the key to writing a good prologue? It’s all about balance. A good prologue should be concise, interesting, and relevant to the rest of the story. It should also be well-written and engaging, with a clear purpose and direction.
As a reader, I have to admit that I’m a bit of a prologue skeptic. I’ve read so many prologues that were boring or unnecessary that I’ve started to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism. But when I come across a well-written prologue that draws me in and sets the stage for the rest of the story, I’m hooked.
One of the most well-known examples of a well-written prologue is in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The prologue in this book is a masterclass in world-building and sets the stage for the rest of the story. It’s concise, interesting, and provides just the right amount of context to help readers understand the world of Middle-earth.
My personal favorite, however, is the prologue of Sanctuary, edited by Robert Asprin. It is presented as an in-world account from Hakiem the storyteller, whose sly, conversational voice makes the reader feel like a trusted confidant in a smoky tavern. Rather than delivering a dry history, Asprin filters the city’s politics, dangers, and intrigues through rumor, half-truths, and colorful asides, letting the world emerge organically. This approach turns Sanctuary itself into a living, breathing character—gritty, corrupt, and unpredictable—while teasing names, factions, and conflicts that spark curiosity. The mix of sensory detail, street-level perspective, and withheld information keeps the tone tense and alluring, drawing the reader in with the promise that every shadow hides a story worth hearing.
Of course, not all prologues are created equal. Some are clunky and awkward, while others are beautifully written but completely unnecessary. And then there are those that are just plain confusing, leaving readers wondering what on earth is going on. Ultimately, whether or not to use a prologue is up to the individual author. If you feel like a prologue is necessary to tell your story, then go for it. But if you’re just using it as a way to info-dump or provide unnecessary backstory, then it’s probably best to skip it.
In the end, the debate about prologues is just that: a debate. There’s no right or wrong answer, and what works for one author may not work for another. But one thing’s for sure: a well-written prologue can make all the difference in drawing readers in and setting the stage for a compelling story.
