How to Write a Historical Narrative Prologue
Podcast Episode 11
WRITING EXPOSITION WELL: A STUDY IN STAR WARS
Hey, Story Seeker! Let’s talk about exposition. You know, that “nasty” stuff writers are supposed to stay away from at all costs?
That’s not entirely fair though. Exposition – in its proper form – is a necessary part of most stories. When we enter a story, we’re breaking into another world, even if that other world is simply the happenings of the next-door neighbor. The story may include elements that require a bit more understanding if we are to fully grasp the narrative and experience the tale to its fullest extent.
Exposition helps readers understand important pieces of the story world. It frames a context, helping readers understand what’s at stake. When necessary, it provides history and background. Exposition offers details so that we can keep-up with the plot.
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Sleeping Beauty is not Sleeping Beauty’s Protagonist. Here’s why…
Nearly 60 years after its release, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty is still adored by audiences; however, for all of the love and nostalgia that Sleeping Beauty continues to garner, something about the story structure…just seems odd and somewhat misleading.
Here’s a little secret: despite the film being named after her, Sleeping Beauty is not the protagonist of her own film.
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Why I Won’t Finish The Matrix Reloaded
Today, I’m breaking a solemn rule amongst reviewers: don’t write a review until you’ve finished the thing. The thing, of course, being a book. Or a movie. Or The Matrix Reloaded.
In this case though, the rule-breaking has a particular point:
If a story doesn’t engage with its audience by at least the quarter mark, it does not matter how epic or excellent the rest of the story is. It will be nearly impossible for the story to recapture its audience and provide a resonate conclusion.
I gave The Matrix Reloaded the benefit of the doubt and watched through the halfway point. Then, the unthinkable.
I turned it off.
Here’s why:
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7 Keys for Writing an Action Prologue
As its name suggests, the purpose of the action prologue is to thrust the audience into your story as quickly as possible.
This particular prologue has little time to bother with narrations or opening expositions. It’s sole objective is to build character, introduce your story-world, set the tone, hook the audience, and lay the foundations for your plot. Oh yeah – and be separated by the rest of the story with one key ingredient:
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