how to write a prologue for a fantasy novel

How to Create an Intriguing Prologue for Your Fantasy Novel

Are you an aspiring author looking to captivate your readers from the very beginning? If you're writing a fantasy novel, a well-crafted prologue can set the stage for an immersive and exciting world. In this article, we will explore the key elements of a captivating prologue for a fantasy novel and provide you with valuable tips to create one that will leave your readers wanting more.

1. Introduce the World: The primary objective of a prologue is to introduce the fantastical world in which your story is set. Take this opportunity to briefly describe the setting, its unique characteristics, and any extraordinary elements that make it different from the real world. Engage your readers by weaving in elements of magic, mythical creatures, or other fantastical features that make your world come alive.

2. Establish Conflict: A prologue should create intrigue by introducing a conflict or a problem that the main characters will face throughout the novel. This conflict should be enticing and leave readers curious about how it will be resolved. Consider incorporating a mysterious event, a brewing war, or a hidden threat that sets the stage for the overarching plot.

3. Introduce Key Characters: While the prologue doesn't delve deep into character development, it should introduce key characters who will play significant roles in the story. It is essential to create interest in your characters by providing a glimpse into their personalities, roles, or relationships. However, avoid overwhelming readers with an extensive character list; instead, focus on a few relevant individuals who will grab their attention.

4. Foreshadow the Main Plot: Use the prologue to drop hints or foreshadow crucial plot points that will unfold throughout the novel. This will create a sense of anticipation and keep readers engaged. However, be cautious not to give away too much information, as the purpose is to intrigue readers, not spoil the upcoming events.

5. Maintain a Suitable Length: Prologues should be shorter than regular chapters, serving as a tantalizing sneak peek rather than an extended introduction. Aim for a length that is long enough to introduce your world and intrigue readers but short enough to leave them hungry for more.

6. Polish Your Writing: Craft your prologue with meticulous attention to detail. Ensure that your writing style, tone, and voice align with the genre and atmosphere of your fantasy novel. Strong and vivid descriptions can create a lasting impact, so take the time to refine your language and create a sense of wonder for your readers.

Examples of Fantasy Novels with Engaging Prologues:
- "Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin: The prologue introduces a mysterious threat beyond the Wall, immediately capturing the attention of readers.
- "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss: The prologue establishes a sense of danger and sets the tone for the protagonist's journey to becoming a legendary figure.

Remember, an exceptional prologue entices readers, introduces them to your unique world, and keeps them invested in your story. By following these tips and drawing inspiration from successful fantasy novels, you will be well on your way to creating a captivating prologue that leaves readers eager to devour the rest of your novel.
Martial Arts Supreme Fiction
Martial Arts Supreme

Ye Xuan, a young man born in the ancient forbidden zone, possesses extraordinary talent and innate abilities. He embarks on a bloody journey, engaging in alluring cultivation. Obtaining the inheritance of the ancient immortal sect, he practices the unrivaled immortal scripture, creating his own era. Alongside his immense power, peerless celestial maidens, immortal beauties that have captivated the ages, enchanting demonic spirits, and lovely lolis flock to him. However, he remains indifferent and unwavering, steadfastly pursuing eternal life. After enduring countless hardships and battles, he rises to the top, wielding the power to devour the starry sky and shattering the heavens. Confronted with a vast world where various teachings coexist and numerous races thrive, he emerges as the invincible warrior. As the ultimate ruler of the human race, he ascends once again, determined to protect his people against all odds. Book discussion group: (Welcome all brothers and sisters to join and discuss the plot of the book!)

331.50 Million words | 2021-06-01 07:13Update

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The Great Demon King Fiction
The Great Demon King

The novel tells the story of an ordinary and weak young man who becomes the legend of the Dark Lord, as the magical skills of a demon cultist and the dark magic of the underworld merge within him.

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Emperor of Kowloon Fiction
Emperor of Kowloon

After fantasizing about the goddess, college student Chen Jiu unexpectedly crossed over to the Qiankun Continent. Looking at this world filled with martial arts and magic, he raised his middle finger and saw the Nine Dragon Ring he accidentally bought. Cultivation Level: Ninefold Tempering, Eight Variations of Opening the Sky, Seven Traces of Origin, Six Unions of Yin and Yang, Five Elements Gathering, Four Stages of Creation, Three Performances of Qiankun, Two Transmissions of Myth, and the Great Completion of Chaos. The Qiankun Continent practices polygamy, if you don't like it, don't curse. Until now, Xiao Pan has never stopped updating, with a total of over ten million words in the novel, various guarantees, and assured reading. Please support vigorously. lnsvw

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The Devil's Code Fiction
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"The Devil's Rule" Immortal or demon, good or evil, often only exists in the realm of thoughts. Sometimes, demons can be immortal, and sometimes immortals can be demons... Yu Yue, an ordinary student who is constantly manipulated by fate, is faced with the choice of becoming an immortal or falling into darkness... How will he make his decision?... How will an average boy grow into a legend and create a legendary kingdom...

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Nordic Aspirations Fiction
Nordic Aspirations

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Iron Blood Dragon God Fiction
Iron Blood Dragon God

Five thousand years ago, the Dragon race mysteriously vanished without a trace despite their billions in number. Five thousand years later, a young man reborn through bloodshed, Wielding the Iron Blood Dragon God Sword, riding the mighty White Dragon, and accompanied by an enchanting young girl, he sweeps through the five realms, finally unveiling the truth of the past... I proclaim myself the world's number one! I shall slay all who challenge me!

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Supreme Scoundrel Fiction
Supreme Scoundrel

Quote 1: "When you go to find a prostitute, if she refuses to open her legs, it's definitely not because you're not handsome enough or because she's on her period. The only possible reason is: you didn't pay enough money~!" Quote 2: "Even a pile of cow dung still has some value to be utilized~!" Final quote, Little Lei's guiding principle in life: "If there's a bargain to be had, not taking it makes you a damn turtle bastard~!"

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The Undying Servant of Death Fiction
The Undying Servant of Death

After the college entrance examination, he went out to sea for the first time to fish, but encountered a once-in-a-century storm! He settled on a remote island, only to accidentally activate an ancient teleportation array left from billions of years ago! In a critical moment, he caught the "Devouring Heaven God Gourd" Xiaoqiang! The Demon Lord of the Ten Palaces said, "Kid, hand over that treasure!" "Damn it, dare to shout and scream at me, Xiaoqiang swallowed him!" The Fox Demon Princess said, "My dear, give that treasure to me." "Damn it, who is this monster daring to deceive me, Xiaoqiang swallowed her!" The Supreme of Ten Thousand Realms said, "Young friend, carrying such a treasure is sinful. It's better to hand it over to me for safekeeping." "Damn it, this hypocritical guy, Xiaoqiang swallowed him!" ...! With Xiaoqiang in hand, who in the world dares to contend with me! Friends! Let us follow the second generation of fishermen to create a vast world! Shouldn't we all share this world instead of letting those second-generation rich kids monopolize it? (The author promises that this book will be updated with a minimum of two updates and 6,000 words each day after it is published! There may be irregular bursts, guaranteeing that readers will enjoy it! Thank you all for your collection and clicks. Let's get excited!)

311.10 Million words | 2022-10-30 03:46Update

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The Vampire King's Fleeing Concubine. Fiction
The Vampire King's Fleeing Concubine.

The first person I saw when I woke up was a vampire, with his melancholic eyes that were both terrifying and mesmerizing... After discovering the truth, nobody could willingly stay by his side... But... where could I escape to? Maybe we had to wait until both sides were exhausted to realize... Even without the previous entanglements, we were destined

404.29 Million words | 2021-08-08 14:40Update

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Blood Beyond the Eight Wildernesses Fiction
Blood Beyond the Eight Wildernesses

In a night of extreme darkness, within the majestic underground palace shrouded in ominous energy, a thousand-year-old corpse suddenly opens its eyes, defying the natural order of life and death, for it has been reborn! Since fate has granted me a second chance at life, I shall ascend to the pinnacle and prove my existence, even in death!

179.54 Million words | 2020-10-21 00:27Update

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Ice and Fire Destroyer Fiction
Ice and Fire Destroyer

As the era of dragons gradually comes to an end, and the mages leave behind countless wealth and legends under the starry sky, awakened youths start embarking on their own journeys.

222.44 Million words | 2022-08-09 07:12Update

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King Wu Fiction
King Wu

New book "The Great Yin and Yang Scripture" is out!!... Awakening from a deep sleep, Mu Han's soul is reborn in the body of a young nobleman in the Yue Kingdom. A mysterious jade pendant leads Mu Han into the world of martial arts cultivation! Profound and unpredictable secret techniques, ever-changing rare artifacts, peerless experts who dominate the world, and an extraordinary woman of unmatched beauty... In this vast world, only martial arts reign supreme! ^^^^^^^^ PS: "The Otherworldly Medicine King," a completed novel of millions of words, can be safely collected now. ^^

200.40 Million words | 2021-02-27 11:39Update

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The ruthless bandit in the interdimensional realm Fiction
The ruthless bandit in the interdimensional realm

Duan Shaojun carried the military system and traveled back in time to ancient times, robbing the rich and aiding the poor, conquering cities and achieving the title of the strongest bandit! In this unfamiliar ancient world, there were martial arts masters, sorcerers who practiced forbidden arts, and elite military forces from different countries. However, in the face of the protagonist's modernized firearms and weapons, who would ultimately prove to be more formidable? As Duan Shaojun led his band of three thousand mountain bandits, charging towards the city of Luoyang, he arrogantly sang out loud, "My demands are not extravagant, just a butcher knife. To rob and plunder along the way, showcasing prowess in conquering cities... Uh... The title may be cliché, but the content will definitely not disappoint you... If you, dear readers, find 'The Mighty Bandit with Military Firearms in a Different Realm' enjoyable, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!"

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Light Speed Sacred Armor Fiction
Light Speed Sacred Armor

After the mythical beast recognizes its master, it transforms into a holy battle armor. The warrior not only gains defense but also acquires the abilities of the mythical beast. As a teenager who has traveled through time, he opens his eyes to find a pet, the strongest battle armor in this world. By chance, he embarks on a journey to the Imperial Academy, carrying the unparalleled Dragon Armor and embarking on a journey that shocks the world...

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The Strongest Warrior in History Fiction
The Strongest Warrior in History

The Divine Martial System is activated! He did not travel back in time from the 21st century, but it doesn't stop him from possessing a system! Determined to become the strongest warrior, he doesn't become arrogant after acquiring the system. Instead, he worries about accumulating points. He has deep-seated grudges! He has great ambitions! He firmly believes in one thing: warriors are born for the sake of martial arts and will ultimately reach the pinnacle of martial studies! (Q Group: , Little Hai is waiting for you here!)

57.87 Million words | 2020-09-04 08:12Update

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Divine Tomb Fiction
Divine Tomb

Tang Fei, a high school student who died in a car accident, is resurrected from an ancient tomb of the demonic mound, devouring the spirits of countless gods and demons. A mysterious book called the "Yin Yang Manual" sets him on a journey of cultivation. The deathly forest, a perilous and fantastical journey; ancient god ruins, lost ancient legends; through the passage of time, as gods die and demons perish, only I shall live forever!

380.50 Million words | 2020-12-17 14:11Update

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Hyperdimensional Mage Fiction
Hyperdimensional Mage

The progress of the times has become unstoppable. How will the magicians, who remain in the fairy tales, treat the little rabbit that entered their world? In the wonderful and bizarre fairy tale world, in the unparalleled paradise of imagination, everything is contained within the extradimensional space of the magicians. PS: The third book is now released, returning to the fantasy genre... All character designs have been completely revamped and improved, and the cuteness is multiplied many times over... Cutely asking for all

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The law does not hide the wicked. Fiction
The law does not hide the wicked.

Behind a series of murder, robbery, and sexual crime cases, there are various motives for the crimes. The law shall prevail, and the corpses shall not lie. He has always adhered to one belief, to let the deceased rest in peace and the living find solace...

158.63 Million words | 2021-06-07 22:49Update

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The First Royal Daughter Fiction
The First Royal Daughter

Waking up once again, she was reborn as the legitimate daughter of the Tang family, going from a dark-night killer to a useless piece of trash. In this lifetime, she will turn the tables and make things happen! When the useless miss reveals her sharpness and brilliance, intimidating a certain man who offended her to the point of being unable to escape!

555.89 Million words | 2022-12-02 15:30Update

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Revelation of the Beasts Fiction
Revelation of the Beasts

After being struck by lightning, his soul miraculously traverses to the continent of Soren, where he becomes a young humanoid of the beast race and adopts the name Baroque. In this world, where strength is revered, he finds it cruel and unfamiliar. Among all the races on the continent, the beastmen have no means of self-defense and are the weakest. They are enslaved and massacred by the powerful humans, looked down upon by other races, and live in the most barren and desolate areas of the continent. Facing terrifying monsters that pose a constant threat to their lives, the harsh natural environment, hunger, and chaos... Where does the path of the beastmen lie? Baroque bellows in unwillingness: Follow me, and let us beastmen change the rules! This is a world of mythical and demonic beasts, Qi and magic. The beastmen will undoubtedly rise with Baroque! Disclaimer: This book has absolutely no connection to the content of the "World of Warcraft" game.

464.94 Million words | 2021-07-19 16:19Update

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