12 Examples Of Introduction In Books & Popular Stories

Have you ever read a book and felt so captivated by the introduction that you couldn’t put it down? It’s no secret that a great introduction can make or break your story.

Introduction in books and stories are essential to creating compelling works of literature, but they don’t always come easy. From classic novels to modern thrillers, there is much to be learned from studying how authors craft their opening lines.

This article examines 12 examples of introduction in books, along with suggestions for developing your own unique approach.

👉Just learning about writing story introductions? See our complete guide on writing introduction in a story

Examples of introduction in books - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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What is an introduction?

An introduction in a story is the beginning of the narrative or story. It serves to introduce characters, setting, and conflict. The introduction sets up the plot and provides readers with enough information to understand what will happen next.

A good introduction should capture the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. The opening should give a glimpse of what lies ahead in the tale, offering an idea of the journey to come.

Why is an Introduction important in books?

The introduction of your book can determine whether you succeed or fail as an author. A well-crafted introduction will set up expectations for readers. It should give them an idea of where you are taking them on their journey through your book.

When you introduce the necessary elements that are to come, you inadvertently create a suspenseful atmosphere for readers as they anticipate what is yet to be revealed.

Overall, an effective introduction should provide just enough information about a story’s world or characters to make them want to find out more without giving away too much detail.

How Can You Write The Introduction In A Story?

There are several ways to write the introduction in your story. They include

  • Setting the Scene – Provide details for readers to conjure up an image of where the action is taking place
  • Introducing Characters – Give succinct descriptions of who they are (including names), and what motivates them.
  • Hinting At Plot Points – Leave breadcrumbs about impending events without revealing too much.
  • Foreshadowing Theme(s)– Employ subtle clues or snippets of dialogue relating to greater themes.
  • Creating Tension – Generate interest through mystery or curiosity regarding events yet-to-be revealed.

Examples of Introduction in Books

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

“There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.”

Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte

This sentence establishes the setting (mood as in gloomy weather) as well as Jane’s situation – she is trapped indoors with her oppressive aunt/cousins who treat her poorly – allowing us insight into her character right away.

2. The Handmaid’s Tale By Margaret Atwood

“We slept in what had once been rooms…I would wake thinking I heard someone calling my name…but there was never anyone there”

The Handmaid’s Tale By Margaret Atwood

Here we learn right away how bleak Offred’s life has become while still maintaining some mystery around why this happened – making us want more answers immediately.

3. The Sun Also Rises By Ernest Hemingway

“Robert Cohn was once middleweight boxing champion of Princeton. Do not think that I am very much impressed by that boxing title, but it meant a lot to Cohn. He cared nothing for boxing, in fact he dislike it…”

The Sun Also Rises By Ernest Hemingway

With this line, we get our first glimpse into the character Robert Cohn – his past glory days juxtaposed against his current reality which implies he isn’t quite living up to his potential anymore… intriguing.

4. Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger

J D Salinger captures essence teenage angst through Holden Caulfield ‘s narration Catcher In The Rye:

“If you really want know all happened , whole enormous deal, I’ll tell you but dont ask me why anything happens – okay? That part Im not too sure about myself.”

Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger

His direct address reader draws them closer narrative immediately providing insight into protagonist ‘s perspective without revealing too much plot detail early.

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s opening line for Pride and Prejudice is certainly renowned:

“It is a fact universally accepted that a single man with an ample fortune must be in need of a wife….”

My Dear, Mr Bennet, said his lady to him one day “Have you heard that Netherfiled park is let at last?”

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This shrewdly constructed phrase functions as both an introduction to the narrative itself – concerning five sisters searching for spouses – but also to its motifs, such as class structure, marriage expectations, gender roles, love versus money etc.

We also see the use of subtle use of dialogue in the introduction that that establishes the relationship between tow characters – Mr Bennet and his wife, as well as their differing opinions on the matter of marriage.

6. 1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel begins with an ominous tone:

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”

1984 by George Orwell

Right away we get introduced not only to Winston Smith (our protagonist), but also his environment which plays such an important role later on in this dystopian classic.

The combination of words creates an immediate feeling of unease while introducing readers to Winston Smith—the protagonist—and his bleak world where government surveillance has become ubiquitous and privacy non-existent.

7. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Letters serve as introductions throughout Mary Shelley’s gothic horror masterpiece Frankenstein; they provide context on events before Victor Frankenstein brings his creature to life at Ingolstadt University in Germany.

In these letters we learn more about Victor’s past (his family history) which helps explain why he becomes so obsessed with creating life out of death despite knowing it could have disastrous consequences down the road.

8. Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

William Golding opens Lord Of The Flies with this vivid description:

“The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way towards them across the hot white sand”.

Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

This simple yet powerful sentence gives us our first glimpse into what kind or world these boys find themselves inhabiting – one full chaos , violence , fear – all away from adult supervision .

9. Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte

Emily Brontë starts off Wuthering Heights with Lockwood visiting Thrushcross Grange after being invited there by Heathcliff:

“I scrambled up its side , holding on my hat ; I reached its summit , panting for breath “.

Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte

From this brief passage we can already tell how wild nature has taken over Thrushcross Grange while hinting at Heathcliff ‘s mysterious character .

10. Great Expectations By Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ classic tale begins when Pip meets Magwitch near churchyard graveyard:

“Hold your noise, said A terrible voice behind me.”

Great Expectations By Charles Dickens

We get our first impression that something sinister lurks beneath Magwitch ‘s gruff exterior ; setting up anticipation for further encounters between him & Pip throughout their journey together .

11. Brave New World By Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley dives right into discussing technology & scientific progress when introducing readers Brave New World:

“As soon As I had alighted from my cab I saw clearly enough what sort place I had come too.”

Brave New World By Aldous Huxley

He paints picture rather quickly describing highly advanced society devoid individualism & freedom while making reader wonder what lies ahead within pages book.

12. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The introduction of To Kill a Mockingbird is an iconic moment in literature, with the narrator’s father giving her life advice that she will later come to understand and live by:

“When he was nearly thirteen my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able play football was assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury “.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Right away we learn about Scout Finch (the narrator) her brother Jem and understand what kind hardships they face growing up in rural Alabama during 1930s America – all without ever having been told explicitly by Lee herself.

Bonus. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone By J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling takes a creative approach to introducing readers to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone:

“Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone By J.K. Rowling

Rowling introduces the magical journey from the mundane world of the Dursleys to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Not only does she give hints for future plot developments but also establishes an exciting atmosphere at the start of the journey.

Popular books have provided us with an excellent starting point for developing our own introductions. Using these, we can begin to craft our own and create engaging introduction for readers.

How Can You write a great introduction?

A great way to write an engaging introduction is by using foreshadowing techniques such as hints at future events or clues about hidden secrets within your story’s world.

You can use imagery or metaphors which will help bring life to your descriptions. At the same time, you can hint at larger themes present within the narrative itself (i.e., “the sky was dark like a storm brewing on horizon”).

That said, there isn’t one specific formula for writing an effective introduction. As an author, you should rely on your own creative instincts when crafting the beginning of your story.

Don’t be scared to experiment with different methods until you discover what works best.

Commonly Asked Questions On Introduction Examples In Books

How Do You Start An Introduction For A Book?

Start by starting with a scene of action, an intriguing dialogue, a thought-provoking quote or an intriguing fact that relates to your story. You can also start with a shocking revelation, a scene description or with an introspective look at your main character’s thoughts or feelings.

What Is A Good Introduction For A Book?

A good introduction to a book should be concise, engaging, and informative. It should draw the reader in and set expectations. The introduction should establish a tone that reflects the major themes and ideas of the book while avoiding overly technical terms or lengthy descriptions.

Final Notes on Examples of introduction In books

In summary, the introduction of a book can make or break its success. With examples from some of the most popular books and stories, we have seen how different authors approach this crucial part in their writing.

Recall that each author has their own way of writing introduction, so there isn’t a single formula for writing them effectively. However, by understanding what makes a great introduction and studying examples of successful ones, you can develop your own technique for introducing your stories with confidence.

If you’re looking for helpful tips on how to write and publish your stories, then this blog is the perfect place to start. We have detailed information that can help guide you through the process of successful creating your story.

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