Not necessarily. The first paragraph of a novel is usually called a summary or introduction, which is intended to attract the reader's attention and briefly introduce the background and protagonist of the story. In some novels, the first paragraph might summarize the main plot and provide background information to lay the foundation for the subsequent plot. However, in other novels, the first paragraph might be a dialogue or scene used to construct the characters and plot development. Therefore, the role of the first paragraph of a novel varied from novel to novel.
The first paragraph of a novel was usually used to introduce the background, the protagonist, and the outline of the story to give the reader a preliminary understanding of the novel. Its function could be to arouse the interest of the readers and attract them to continue reading. It could also be used to pave the way for the subsequent development of the plot so that the readers could easily understand the plot and the relationship between the characters.
Well, you might begin by setting the scene. Describe the place or the atmosphere to give the reader a sense of where the story is unfolding. Or introduce an interesting character and their immediate problem or goal.
Start with an attention-grabbing hook. It could be a mysterious event, a bold statement, or a vivid description. Something that makes the reader want to keep going.
The first paragraph of " Kite " described the childhood of the protagonist, Ah Fei. Hoodlum was an orphan who grew up in a poor family, but he was very smart, brave and imaginative. His parents passed away when he was young, and he was mainly taken care of by his grandparents. His grandparents loved him very much, but their lives were also very difficult and they often needed Ah Fei's help.
The first paragraph of " Kite " was about the protagonist's childhood. It mainly described the hard, simple, and free childhood he spent in the countryside. This description mainly showed the protagonist's growing environment, family background, and his interactions with other children.
The first paragraph of Kite was about the childhood experience of the protagonist Gao Xiang. He was born into a poor family. Only he and his father lived in a dilapidated house. Gao Xiang's father was a kite enthusiast who often made and flew his own kites, and Gao Xiang had developed a strong interest in kites. The first paragraph mainly described the dilapidated house, the poor family environment, Gao Xiang's love for kites and his father's support for him.
The role of the first paragraph of a novel usually refers to the beginning of the novel. Its role is to attract the reader's attention and guide the reader into the story world. Here are some examples:
The first paragraph of a novel attracts the reader's attention by describing a scene or introducing the protagonist.
" He walked into a dark room. After his eyes adapted to the darkness, he found himself trapped in a strange dream. He felt his body getting heavier and heavier. He wanted to wake up, but he couldn't move."
The first paragraph of the novel introduced the main character by introducing his identity or background.
"Li Xue is a young university student. Her father is a famous scientist and her mother is a doctor."
The first paragraph of the novel arouses the reader's curiosity by describing a phenomenon or situation.
"The traffic in this city is very serious. Every day's traffic is disastrous."
The first paragraph of the novel guides the reader to think by asking a question or raising an opinion.
"Why do humans always pursue more material wealth?"