What Would You Prefer?

[Iwriteforfun]

So let's say you are reading a action/fantasy novel. In the initial chapters, would you prefer to have more character development and interaction (more dialogue heavy chapters) which introduce the cast before we get into the main story (Like foreplay before doing the thing). Or just jump straight to the world building and action and exploring stuff while developing characters along the way.

I like the first approach as introducing the cast before following them just seems right to me.

Check out my novel btw (please...):

The Endless Ascent

Alan is a nobody. A forgotten face in a world that barely noticed him. After a two-year stint in prison, he finds himself thrust into the Tower Endless, a brutal other world where he faces monstrous beasts. It's a chance to prove himself, to escape the life he's always known,...

www.scribblehub.com

 

[RepresentingDesire]

I think establishing the plot important world building and a little more unimportant stuff so that the world seems to be more fleshed out. Mainly focusing on character development while doing the above seems to be the best to me, maybe some information that are found in the exposition is even character important.

 

[melchi]

The first chapter needs to hook the reader. It has to answer the readers question: why should I start this novel?

The worst thing an author can do in ignore that. How they accomplish generating interest can be done in many ways.

 

[Iwriteforfun]

The first chapter needs to hook the reader. It has to answer the readers question: why should I start this novel?

The worst thing an author can do in ignore that. How they accomplish generating interest can be done in many ways.

Nice advice, thank you!

 

[TASTYLEADPAINT]

Personally I feel the first few chapters should focus on the main character and the setting a little bit. The MC will be the person the reader spends most of their time with. Using the first few chapters to make the reader care and understand the mc motives, desires, strengths and flaws in my opinion always a gold thing

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Start with at least a hint of/set-up for action, even if you feel you must "back pedal" to get into the characters, either via "flashbacks" or them stopping to discuss how they got where they are and why as soon as the first action scene is resolved.

 

[Nolff]

They at least should be greeted with something entertaining to read at the beginning chaps. But, if you save the best for the midpoint or the last, then you better reward them good.