Crafting the Opening of a Dystopian Story
Starting a dystopian story effectively requires setting the right tone, introducing the world, and engaging the reader's curiosity. Here are some strategies to consider to create an opening that draws readers into your dystopian world.
Strategies for an Engaging Dystopian Opening
1. Open with a Vivid Scene
Adopt a scenario that reflects the stark oppressive environment of the society's control. This sets the stage and immediately engages the reader.
Example: Describe a place where the sky is perpetually dark due to pollution, and the streets are littered with the discarded remnants of a once-thriving civilization. People move in regimented silence, their eyes always casting down to avoid making eye contact with one another. Opening Line: The air was thick with the scent of burning oil and spoiled food. The only sound was the rhythmic tapping of leather-soled shoes on the cracked cobblestones of Treadwater Square.2. Introduce a Relatable Character
Create a protagonist who is either experiencing or observing the harsh realities of their world. This character becomes a vessel for the reader to connect with.
Example: Introduce a young girl named Evelyn who, despite her young age, notices the chinks in the facade of the perfect society. She can hear the whispers of rebellion in the night, and she can feel the tension in the air. Opening Line: She shivered, the cold not from the night but from the realization that she was just a cog in a world built on lies.3. Start with a Shocking Event
Begin with a moment that disrupts the status quo, such as a public announcement or a rebellion. This creates immediate tension and intrigue.
Example: A sudden siren blares through the city, cutting through the monotony of their daily routines. The news arrives: the government has declared a new curfew, ostensibly to improve security but actually trapping everyone inside their homes. Opening Line: The siren woke her from her slumber, and for a brief moment, she felt the thrill of freedom before the roar faded into the suffocating silence of another day in Freeport.4. Present an Unusual Fact or Statistic
Use a surprising statistic about the world to set the stage for the narrative. This provides a shock value and immediately grabs the reader's attention.
Example: Did you know that nearly 70% of the population lives in state-controlled virtual reality environments? Those who venture out into the real world face severe penalties. Opening Line: In the year 2065, it was known that 68.9% of the population lived in state-controlled virtual reality environments. For those who managed to breathe the fresh air outside, the reality was bleak.5. Utilize a Propaganda Message
BEGIN with a piece of propaganda that reflects the beliefs of the society. This introduces the theme of manipulation from the very first line.
Example: The billboards along the road concluded with a rallying slogan: "Unity is Strength. Follow the Leader." Even the children were indoctrinated with this mantra. Opening Line: The billboard loomed large in the twilight sky: "Unity is Strength. Follow the Leader." The words seared themselves onto her memory like an insignia.6. Create a Sense of Isolation
Illustrate how the character feels cut off from the outside world, emphasizing the theme of control.
Example: The walls of her home were not just physical barriers but emotional ones too, each closing shut as the city's watchful eyes surveyed the streets. Opening Line: The walls of her home felt like they were closing in, not just from the outside but from within, as if they too were part of the oppressive system.7. Pose a Philosophical Question
Start with a thought-provoking question that hints at the story's themes, encouraging the reader to reflect.
Example: Can a society built on fear and control truly be free? Or is freedom just a luxury for the brave and the fortunate? Opening Line: Can a society built on fear and control ever truly be free?Tips for Crafting Your Opening
When crafting your opening for a dystopian story, consider the following tips:
Establish Tone and Mood: Use descriptive language that evokes feelings of despair, tension, or control to set the right tone. Foreshadowing: Hint at the conflicts and struggles that will unfold throughout the story to make the reader curious. Engage the Reader's Curiosity: Make the reader want to know more about the world and the characters by exploring the hints of what's to come.Research for Your Dystopian World
All books should start with research. Many sources can inspire a dystopian story, such as classics like Fahrenheit 451 or George Orwell's 1984. For a more modern take, consider the horrors of Hitler's Germany with its concentration camps or life in North Korea today, which serve as powerful models for dystopian societies. Aim to educate the public on the kind of future we might face if we don't change our ways.
Dystopian - relating to or denoting an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.