# Prologue: Definition and Fiction Example | NovelOS Studio

> A prologue is an opening section positioned before the main narrative sequence. See an original fiction example, why writers use it, common mistakes, and rel...

## Prologue in a story

It may establish a different time, viewpoint, document, legend, or event whose meaning will become important later.

## Original fiction example

> The prologue records the first failed expedition; chapter one begins fifty years later with a child receiving its unopened supply crate.

This example is original to the NovelOS glossary. It illustrates the term without borrowing a passage from a published novel.

## Why writers use it

Use a prologue when the separate opening frame performs work chapter one cannot perform as effectively.

**A useful revision question:** Where does this device change what the reader understands, expects, or feels? If removing it leaves the passage unchanged, it may need a clearer function.

## A common mistake

A prologue should not exist only to deliver background the main story could reveal through consequence.

## Use prologue in NovelOS Studio

Map the term across scene cards, plotlines, arcs, and Timeline View. [The Blueprint](/features/the-blueprint/) sits inside the same NovelOS Studio project as your characters, world, timeline, manuscript, goals, tracker, revision tools, and publishing exports.

Record the idea where it affects the book, test it in scenes, and revise it beside the surrounding prose. NovelOS Studio keeps the craft decision attached to the novel instead of leaving it in a separate worksheet.

Category

Story Structure

Related terms

* [Epilogue](/glossary/epilogue/)
* [Exposition](/glossary/exposition/)
* [Frame Story](/glossary/frame-story/)

[Browse the full glossary](/glossary/)