Today, we explore what makes a story start truly captivating, be it a single sentence or paragraph. We’ll discuss five powerful ways famous writers have used to craft openings which have grabbed and kept readers’ attention. We’ll look at five novels that are not under copyright. So, grab your notebooks, tablets or smartphones and let’s get writing!

1. Set the Tone

The first thing an opening must do is set the tone of the story. Whether it’s dark and mysterious, light and humorous, or somewhere in between, the tone sets the stage for what’s to come.

Let’s start with Jane Austen’s opening of Pride and Prejudice: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

In this single sentence, Austen sets a tone that is both satirical and witty. We immediately sense the social commentary and humour that will pervade the novel. The formal, almost pompous, language hints at the societal norms and expectations the characters will be dealing with.

2. Introduce a Compelling Voice

Next, an opening paragraph should introduce a compelling voice. The narrative voice is our guide through the story, and it needs to be engaging from the get-go.

Consider the opening sentence of Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville: “Call me Ishmael.”

This simple, direct statement instantly pulls us in. The brevity and mystery of this sentence make us want to know more about Ishmael and why he is inviting us to call him by this name. The voice is intriguing, hinting at a deeper story waiting to be unraveled.

3. Establish a Sense of Intrigue

An effective opening paragraph should create a sense of intrigue, making the reader curious about what happens next.

Look at the opening of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia, by Arthur Conan Doyle: “To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name.”

This opening piques our curiosity. Who is this woman? Why is she so significant to Sherlock Holmes? The mystery and the hint of a deeper backstory immediately engage the reader.

“Five ways to start your stories that will have your readers wanting to read more.”

4. Introduce the Mood or Main Character Right Away

Introducing the main character or the mood early on helps readers connect with the story.

Here’s the opening of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: “The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn.”

Though the main character isn’t named immediately, the vivid description sets the scene for Dorian Gray’s world. The lush, almost overwhelming sensory details, suggest a character who is immersed in beauty and luxury, evoking the themes of aestheticism and excess.

5. Set Up the Central Conflict

Lastly, an opening paragraph should hint at or set up the central conflict of the story.

Consider the opening of Dracula by Bram Stoker: “Left Munich at 8:35 p.m., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late.”

While this opening seems mundane, it sets up the journey and the sense of forthcoming adventure. The details of travel establish a sense of place and time, while the diary format hints at personal experiences that will unfold, leading to the central conflict involving Dracula.

Summary

This article highlights five types of story start which will help your openings grab your readers’ attention and keep it there: establishing tone, introducing a compelling voice, creating a sense of intrigue, introducing the main character, and setting up the central conflict.

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