Prologue Template 1
Prologue job: Before Chapter 1, show [event/perspective] so readers know/ask [specific question] while the protagonist does not yet know [gap].
4 Prologue Templates
Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
Use the framework
How to personalize a template
A strong prologue earns its separate position by doing something Chapter 1 cannot do as effectively, creates forward pressure, and avoids becoming an information dump readers must memorize before meeting the main story.
- 1Choose the template closest to your actual purpose.
- 2Replace every bracketed field with specific information.
- 3Delete any sentence that does not belong in your situation.
- 4Read the result aloud for unnatural transitions or repeated phrasing.
- 5Verify names, dates, links, facts, and promises before sending or publishing.
Prologue Template 2
Document prologue: [date/source label]. [brief document that creates a question].
Prologue Template 3
Contrast prologue: Present [earlier/later event] whose meaning changes when Chapter 1 begins with [contrasting state].
Prologue Template 4
Removal test: Without the prologue, readers lose [specific tension/context]. If nothing important is lost, cut it.