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What should be in the first chapter of a fantasy novel?

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What should be in the first chapter of a fantasy novel?

The opening of your novel should make the reader curious. They should have lots of questions about what is going to happen, and what sort of world this is, and what is motivating the various events they have seen unfold. Without a proper foundation, the reader will feel lost in the dark.

What should each chapter contain?

Above all, be sure to give each chapter a purpose that ties into the bigger story.

  • Start with action.
  • Shape around plot development.
  • Approach each chapter with a specific goal.
  • Use chapter titling to distill your focus.
  • Consider pacing.
  • Show a different point of view.
  • Seek balance.

What should you not do in the first chapter?

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Here are just a few of the most common clichés we’d recommend avoiding in your first chapter:

  • Character waking up, especially to the sound of an alarm clock.
  • Dream sequence.
  • Character ruminating about their problems.
  • Description of the weather.
  • Character looking at themselves in a mirror and describing what they see.

What should a first chapter include?

An ideal first chapter should do the following things:

  • 1) Introduce the main character.
  • 2) Make us care enough to go on a journey with that character.
  • 3) Set tone.
  • 4) Let us know the theme.
  • 5) Let us know where we are.
  • 6) Introduce the antagonist.
  • 7) Ignite conflict.

What makes a good first chapter?

An introduction to the main character: A great opening usually contains an introduction to the main character. By the end of the first chapter of your novel, the reader should have a basic sense of who your main character is and be eager to follow their journey into the second chapter.

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What should be in a first chapter?

What is a good hook for a book?

A classic hook strategy is to start with an action-packed or climactic event. This method hooks your reader in two ways: first, with the energy of the scene itself. And second, by dropping your reader into the middle of the story without context, you’ll leave them with questions that will compel them to keep reading.