Value of a Prologue

My writers’ group challenge for the next two weeks is to write a prologue. I am not so fond of long ones myself. Sometimes they bore me and I just want to get on with the story, but sometimes they entice me to read more.

I have two started for my WIP, but not sure if I will actually use one on this crime novel.

I do have a question for you though. (Or three or four.)

Would you rather read a prologue that gives you back story and history on a character that would give that character more depth, or would you like to see an action scene involving that character?

A)     Cara Kieu came from Vietnam. I thought about a prologue that tells her story. It was a perilous journey, which brought her into an even more perilous current situation.

 

B)      Cara is also an ancillary character (really one of the main characters of this particular book in the series, but she isn’t the MC or his sidekick). I could open with an action scene that demonstrates how she ended up at the gay club.

What do you think?

Her story, or the action scene?

C)      Do you think I should work on a scene that maybe includes elements of both?

What is the purpose of a prologue to you?

Is it different as a reader than as a writer?

 Entice the reader to read more, or fill in the blanks?

I know, I know, lots of questions. Always your student.

Filed under: Writing Process/WIPs Tagged: action scene, back story, Cara Kieu, Prologue, purpose, writers' group challenge