Read the opening paragraph from “Firebug.” It starts as a build-up of energy that rises up from the pads of your toes to fill the space behind your eyes. At first you think you can control it, but in the next second your sister’s hair is burning, split ends giving off a too-familiar smell of crisping coconut shampoo.
Why might the writer choose to begin her story with this paragraph describing the main character’s problem?
Readers must understand everything about a character immediately.
Its sensory language helps readers imagine the story’s setting.
Revealing the conflict right away makes readers want to keep reading.
Details about a problem help readers relate to the main character.