In narrative writing, what is a common way to start a story?

Starting a narrative with an action or event immediately engages the reader's interest and sets the tone for the unfolding story. This approach creates a sense of urgency and intrigue, encouraging readers to want to know what happens next. By beginning with an impactful moment, the writer can draw the audience into the narrative world, establishing a dynamic atmosphere right from the start.

This technique also allows for the introduction of conflict or a pivotal moment that propels the plot forward, effectively kicking off the storyline. In contrast, beginning with an analysis of characters, a detailed description of the setting, or a philosophical question may not create the same immediate connection with the reader or may lead to a slower narrative pace. While these methods have their own merits in different contexts, starting with action is a proven strategy for captivating an audience from the very first lines of a story.