During my writing career I've  come across readers who say they hate prologues. This baffles me, because they're part of the story - why dislike them, if the novel is a good read? As an author, I believe prologues fulfil several useful roles, and I've used them in my books when appropriate. Let's examine why prologues can enhance a novel.
Uses of prologues:
The prologue from my novel 'Deception Wears Many Faces'. To foreshadow future action in the book. They can set the scene and make the reader want more.To provide tension from the outset if the prologue is heavy on action/drama. This can suit readers who dislike novels with a slow burn.To introduce themes, characters, setting, etc. Some would say this can (and maybe should) be done in the first chapter, and I think there's some truth in that.To sow the seeds for the resolution, so that the book's ending ties in nicely with its beginnings. I love it when a book's story comes full circle!To give background information. For example, it can be useful in fantasy and science-fiction to describe the alien universe/world so readers aren't confused by unfamiliar words, items, etc.To give information from a different point of view or time.  An example would be a novel that tells the life story of a protagonist who's dying. The prologue would be written from their current viewpoint, whereas chapter one starts in their childhood.  So why do people dislike prologues?
I did notice, in the online debates I've read, that those people who said they hate prologues rarely gave a reason, in contrast to fans of them. This made it difficult to fathom the haters' antipathy! After some digging, I uncovered some explanations. Here are the reasons people cite:They dislike an action scene containing characters without context, ones they haven't had a chance to care about yet. This doesn't resonate with me. Surely the prologue provide this chance, especially if the character is in a sticky situation?Some people say prologues are old hat. I disagree. If they work for a novel, for any of the reasons I've already mentioned, why not use them? This argument smacks to me of writing snobbery, something I loathe.Another argument against prologues is that, all too often, they're information dumps. This hasn't been my experience, but I agree that no part of a novel, prologue or otherwise, should shovel a load of facts the reader's way. Instead they should be woven into the narrative or dialogue in a way that's not obtrusive.One person said they dislike the change of pace between a dramatic prologue and a slower first chapter. Me? I love that! A tense, action-packed prologue whets my appetite to read on, then a gentler first chapter gives me a breathing space to allow me to relax into the book. There is no right or wrong here... No doubt the debate over prologues will continue for a while yet! I'll continue to use them in my novels if I believe they're warranted. Many other novelists love them too. Some say they use them, but retitle them 'chapter 1' so they don't antagonise prologue-hating readers!
What's your opinion?
If you're a reader, do you love or hate prologues? Give me your reasons! Or maybe you don't care either way? Perhaps you're a novelist. If so, do you use prologues? If not, why not? Leave a comment and let me know!