Ask Jerry
Prologue?
Asked by Anna Bottoms on August 31, 2020
In my novel the protagonist is abused and keeps it a secret. I want the reader to get a feel for the earlier relationship and how it came to this point.
Would you suggest laying groundwork through a prologue?
I’m not sure how to reveal it throughout the story when neither father or son are revealing the truth of the abuse.
I don’t want to use an excessive amount of flashback or self dialogue.
Do you have a suggestion?
Jerry's Answer
I'd love to see you try it without a Prologue, Anna. But if you must, just make it your first chapter and then use a date and location tag at the beginning of the next chapter to position the story where you want.
Les Edgerton is very good on this subject of how much backstory readers need upfront. Check out his book: http://amzn.to/2jbe1vf