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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s one main example I\u2019m going to be using from the Bible, and that is John 1. Now, of course, the chapter divisions aren\u2019t original to the book, but this first section does give us a great example of how to write a first chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on how long or short your story is\u2014as well as the genre\u2014your first chapter might only allude to some of these elements, rather than introduce them. However, all of these points should at least be foreshadowed during the first chapter. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the things to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- A good first line<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Your story could begin many different ways\u2026 with description, dialogue, in medias res<\/em> (or \u201cin the middle of things\u201d). However, you always want to make sure that your first line is going to hook your readers into the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some way, you need to intrigue them enough that they will want to keep reading to learn more. A good way to do this is to begin with a line that makes your readers ask questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn John 1, it begins with \u201cIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.\u201d This sparks a lot of questions, but the main one is, \u201cWho is this talking about?\u201d Of course, as we keep reading, we find that it\u2019s describing Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Introduce the MC<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The protagonist is the most important person in the story (with the antagonist being a close second), so you\u2019ll want to introduce them as early on as possible. There are many things about the protagonist that can be introduced, by try to keep it simple. Focus more on the things that matter\u2026 a simple physical description if necessary, a demonstration of their personality, perhaps a mention of their occupation, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nJohn\u2019s description of Jesus in John 1 continues for about 17 verses, introducing Him, His nature, and His character before finally revealing His name\u2026 Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Introduce the MC\u2019s Want\/Goal<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Every character has an agenda, and your protagonist should have the most important agenda of all. Since their Want or Goal is going to play a huge part in the story, it\u2019s good to introduce it early on. Now, depending on the nature of your story, you might only need to allude to it. But, either way, make sure its presence is made known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMuch of Jesus\u2019 introduction during the first several verses of John is about His mission here on earth. He came as a light to shine in the darkness\u2014He came to rescue lost sinners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Introduce the MC\u2019s Lie\/Truth<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Just as each character has an agenda, they also have a reason behind that agenda. And this belief is also going to play a significant role in the story, so it needs to be introduced early on. Both the Want\/Goal and the Lie\/Truth are a part of who the protagonist is as a person, so the introduction to these elements can often be included in the MC\u2019s introduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn John 1, Jesus\u2019 Truth\u2014which is the ultimate Truth\u2014is introduced almost as soon as He is. Since, as Jesus testifies later in John, He is, \u201cThe way, the truth, and the life,\u201d it\u2019s fitting that the Truth should tie directly into His character. This Truth is the fact that the world has rebelled against God, and they must turn back to Him in repentance in order to have a right relationship with Him and a home in Heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Foreshadow the Ghost\/Backstory<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The Ghost or Backstory is one of the things that doesn\u2019t need to be completely introduced during the first chapter. After all, it usually makes for a good plot reveal or twist later on. However, you should probably at least foreshadow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nA brief sum of Jesus\u2019 \u201cBackstory\u201d is given in John 1\u2026 how He made the world, was rejected by it, then came to earth to save them. This is one of the stories where the Ghost or Backstory isn\u2019t really used as a plot reveal, so it\u2019s good to introduce it early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Introduce the Theme\/foreshadow the main conflict<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
While the MC won\u2019t really be introduced to the main conflict until the Inciting Event\u2014and won\u2019t be fully immersed in it until the First Plot Point\u2014it does need to be foreshadowed. Depending on the nature of the Theme, you could weave it into the Ghost\/Backstory, or even into the MC\u2019s introduction. But, no matter how subtle, the main conflict needs to be present during the beginning of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn John 1, we find the main conflict alluded to right off the bat when it says, \u201cThe light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.\u201d This allegorical statement is clear while leaving room to be expounded upon later on in the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Introduce other supporting characters<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Not every supporting character needs to be introduced during the first chapter. However, at least some of them should<\/em> be present. When introducing these characters, remember their own personalities, quirks, hobbies, Wants\/Goals, Lies\/Truths, Ghosts\/Backstories in order to properly establish them in the story and tie them into the Theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nJohn the Baptist is actually mentioned by name in John 1 even before Jesus is. Since he technically came first to prepare the way, it\u2019s a great way to build up to Jesus\u2019 introduction. Several of Jesus\u2019 future disciples are also mentioned, including Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Introduce the setting<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the story, the setting might not play a significant role in it. However, you do want to give at least a small description to help readers ground themselves in the story. You could also focus more on a certain part of the setting (like the scenery, the culture, or the people).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn John 1, the main part of the setting that\u2019s introduced is the people and their attitude toward God and Jesus. Later come references to the culture (such as when the Law of Moses is mentioned), as well as specific locations (like Jerusalem, Bethbara, Jordan, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- End with another hook<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
When you finish up the events of the first chapter, your work is by no means complete. Even though you successfully hooked your readers at the beginning, you\u2019ll want to hook them again so they keep reading into the next chapter. Again, the nature of this hook is up to your style and genre, but make sure that it does its job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn John 1, the chapter ends with a great hook. Nathanael has just met Jesus and is in awe of His wisdom. But Jesus tells him, \u201cBecause I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.\u201d Though these lines would be enough, there is one more teaser: \u201cVerily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- End with another hook<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Introduce the setting<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Introduce other supporting characters<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Introduce the Theme\/foreshadow the main conflict<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Foreshadow the Ghost\/Backstory<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Introduce the MC\u2019s Lie\/Truth<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Introduce the MC\u2019s Want\/Goal<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Introduce the MC<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n