The Prologue Debate

Are prologues a powerful storytelling tool… or a writer’s crutch?

Few elements of fiction stir up as much debate as the humble prologue. Some readers skip them entirely. Some writers swear by them. Others insist they’re a sign the author didn’t know where to begin. Yet prologues have been part of storytelling for centuries, and their reputation rises and falls depending on genre, trends, and reader patience.

So what’s the truth? Are prologues necessary, outdated, or misunderstood?

Let’s explore the arguments on both sides.

The Case For Prologues

Prologues can be powerful when used with intention. They allow a writer to open the door to the story in a way Chapter One simply can’t.

They can set the tone instantly, dropping the reader straight into the emotional heart of the narrative. A prologue can deliver a moment from the past that shapes everything to come, or offer a glimpse of danger the protagonist doesn’t yet know exists. Crime and thriller writers use this constantly: a villain’s perspective, a crime scene, a secret that casts a long shadow.

Prologues also allow time jumps without confusion. If the main story begins in 1893 but something crucial happened in 1860, a prologue can deliver that information cleanly without derailing the opening chapter.

And sometimes, a prologue is simply the most compelling way to begin. A strong one can hook a reader faster than a slow‑burn opening, acting as a teaser that promises tension, mystery, or emotional depth.

The Case Against Prologues

For all their strengths, prologues have earned their share of criticism.

They’re often used as a shortcut. Instead of doing the hard work of crafting a gripping opening chapter, a writer may bolt on a prologue to “explain things” or dump backstory. When this happens, the prologue becomes a crutch rather than a craft choice.

Readers frequently skip them. Some see “Prologue” and assume it’s optional. If the information is essential, hiding it in a section many readers ignore is risky.

Prologues can also feel disconnected. A scene featuring characters who vanish until page 200 can feel like a false start, leaving readers wondering why they were asked to invest in something that disappears for half the book.

And if a prologue is heavy with exposition, it can smother curiosity before the story even begins.

Personal Taste: Where Writers Divide

Much of the prologue debate comes down to personal preference.

Some writers adore them. Some avoid them entirely. Genre plays a role: fantasy, crime, and historical fiction use prologues more often, while contemporary fiction and romance tend to avoid them. Reader behaviour matters too. Impatient readers want to meet the protagonist immediately. Others enjoy layered storytelling and relish a well‑crafted prologue.

Ultimately, it’s a question of instinct. If a prologue genuinely strengthens the story, it deserves its place. If it exists only because the writer couldn’t find a better opening, it probably doesn’t.

Are Prologues Falling Out of Fashion?

The trend has shifted slightly over the last decade.

Traditional publishers are more cautious with prologues now, often asking whether the material could simply be Chapter One. Audiobooks have influenced this too; listeners prefer a clean start without structural detours.

In self‑publishing, the picture is more varied. Some genres still embrace prologues because readers expect them. Others avoid them because they can hurt “Look Inside” conversions, where readers want to meet the main character immediately.

Prologues aren’t disappearing, but they’re being used more deliberately.

So… Are Prologues Lazy or Necessary?

The honest answer is neither.

A prologue is a tool. Like any tool, it can be used brilliantly or badly. A lazy prologue dumps information the writer didn’t know how to weave into the story. A necessary prologue elevates the narrative, sharpens the stakes, and enriches the reader’s experience.

The real question isn’t whether prologues are good or bad. It’s whether your story genuinely needs one.

A Final Thought

Whether you read them, skip them, love them, or avoid them, prologues remain one of fiction’s most debated devices. And sometimes, the best way to understand their value is to see one in action.

Which is why this week, I’m sharing a special, newsletter‑exclusive prologue written for The 16th Earl’s Only Love — a glimpse into Richard Aucourte mindset before the novel begin. It won't be in the published book which is launched on 1 September but already available for pre-order.

If you’re curious to see how a prologue might deepen character and set the emotional tone, you can get your copy by ordering your copy of The Secret Prologue. When you click the link you will arrive at BookFunnel and be asked for your email address, joining the Readers' Club is optional.