One characteristic is their ability to create a sense of unease. Like in the first line of 'The Metamorphosis', it throws the reader into a very abnormal situation right away.
They are often very direct in introducing a strange or difficult situation. For example, in 'The Trial', the arrest in the first line is a very straightforward yet puzzling event. It sets the stage for the whole exploration of a complex and unjust system.
Well, the first lines of Kafka novels can be seen as a gateway to his complex and often disturbing worlds. In 'The Trial', 'Someone must have slandered Josef K., for one morning, without having done anything truly wrong, he was arrested.' This opening creates a sense of mystery and injustice right from the start. It makes you question the nature of the arrest and the society in which such a thing can happen.
The first lines of Dickens novels can also be quite thought - provoking. For instance, in 'Hard Times' - 'Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts.' This immediately makes the reader think about the concept of 'facts' and what role it will play in the story. It also gives an early hint about the tone and themes that will be explored, such as the importance of practicality and perhaps the lack of something more, like imagination or emotion.
Kafka's novels are often characterized by their sense of alienation. His characters usually find themselves in absurd and incomprehensible situations. For example, in 'The Metamorphosis', Gregor Samsa wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect. This extreme situation shows the estrangement between the individual and the world.
The first lines of Stephen King novels tend to be full of foreshadowing. For example, in 'Pet Sematary', the initial line has an undertone that something very wrong or strange is going to occur. This is a common trait in his writing, where the start gives a hint of the horror or drama that will unfold.
One common characteristic is that they often introduce the main character or characters. For example, 'She was the kind of girl who always had her nose in a book, until he walked into the library that day.' This immediately gives you a sense of who one of the protagonists is like. Another aspect could be setting a mood. 'The rain poured down as she stood at the train station, waiting for a new beginning.' It sets a rather melancholic or anticipatory mood which is typical in romance. Also, sometimes the first line hints at a conflict. 'He had sworn off love, but her smile made him question everything.' This shows there's an internal struggle right from the start.
They are often attention - grabbing. A good first line makes the reader want to keep reading. For instance, if it starts with a strange or mysterious statement.
Since I'm not sure of a specific 'Kafka Castle graphic novel', generally, it might have complex and dream - like visuals. Kafka's work is known for its surrealism, so the graphic novel would likely capture that in its art style.
One great first line is 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife' from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. 'We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold' from 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by Hunter S. Thompson is very distinct. 'Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy' from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' by C.S. Lewis is a simple yet effective start.
The first line 'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' from Anna Karenina is very profound. It sets up the exploration of family dynamics. 'I am an invisible man.' from Invisible Man is a powerful start, making you curious about how someone can be invisible. 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.' from Rebecca is a haunting start. It has an air of mystery and makes you want to know more about Manderley and why the narrator is dreaming about it.
I'm not sure specifically which 'kafka first unfinished novel' you mean. Kafka had several unfinished works. Generally, his works often explore themes like alienation, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of human existence. Maybe it contains complex characters trapped in strange situations, dealing with incomprehensible rules and power structures.