| Introduce characters, back story, define setting etc. Idiot lectures and plot dumps, usually by having a clueless character to whom things are explained. Draw reader in – raise questions they will want to know the answer to. Opening must quickly capture interest. Can be through dialogue, description, flashback or by the narrator. In early theatre there was a “prologue” which explicitly explained the context of the story. Better to reveal information by dialogue or action where possible – don’t tell; show. Arouse reader’s curiosity without giving too much away. |