Prologue: What Is a Prologue and Why It Matters in Stories, Events, and Experiences
A prologue, an introductory section that sets the tone, context, or backstory before the main event. Also known as narrative opening, it’s not just filler—it’s the first breath before the plunge. Whether you’re reading a novel, walking into a wedding marquee, or stepping into an escape room, the prologue tells you what kind of world you’re entering. It’s why you feel the chill before Wicked’s first note, why you pause before the escape room door locks, and why you sip your first wine slowly at a tasting. A good prologue doesn’t just introduce—it prepares.
Prologues show up everywhere, not just in books. In event planning, the setup, music, lighting, and welcome drinks before the main celebration begin, the prologue is the moment guests start to relax and feel the vibe. In VR experiences, the first 30 seconds of immersion—where you learn to move, look around, and understand the rules, that’s the prologue. It’s the same in wine tasting, the moment you’re handed the first glass and told what grape it’s from. These aren’t just preliminaries—they’re the foundation of how you feel the rest of the experience.
Some people skip prologues. They think they’re optional. But think about it: if you walked into a party without knowing it was a 1920s gala, you’d be lost. If you opened a book and the first chapter jumped straight into a spaceship battle with no warning, you’d put it down. A prologue gives you a map. It tells you whether to laugh, hold your breath, or reach for someone’s hand. That’s why escape rooms that explain the story before the timer starts have higher success rates. Why weddings with a welcome drink and live acoustic set feel more personal. Why the best VR apps don’t just throw you into the game—they ease you in.
The posts below aren’t just random articles. They’re all connected by the same quiet truth: the best experiences don’t start when the main thing begins. They start with the prologue. You’ll find pieces on how to set the mood for a night out, why people make out in escape rooms (hint: it’s the tension), how wine tasting etiquette shapes the whole evening, and why the first five minutes of a Broadway show decide if you’ll love it. This isn’t about fluff. It’s about what happens before the curtain rises—and why it matters more than you think.
