I haven't heard anyone mention xAI (Grok) when we talk about AI. I asked xAI a question for the first time and am impressed with the response. I first asked how to format a "Three Days Earlier" at the start of a chapter and got a good answer. Then I asked:
"The reason I was thinking of doing that is because the main character doesn't appear until Chapter 7. That seems odd to me. So if I begin the novel with Chapter 7 (as Chapter 1) and then the next chapter is what's currently the first chapter with a "three days earlier" under it, would that work? Do I need to worry about the way it currently is?"
I had a thread here on not introducing the main character until Chapter 7 a long time ago. People thought it was too late to introduce the main character (especially since it's in my Lincoln Steele series). The following is xAI's answer to my second question:
Starting your novel with what is currently Chapter 7 (where the main character first appears) and then moving to the current Chapter 1 with a "Three Days Earlier" notation is a viable approach, and it could work well depending on your story's structure and goals. Let's break it down:
Would Starting with Chapter 7 (as Chapter 1) Work?
Yes, this can work, and it's a technique called in medias res (starting in the middle of the action). By beginning with the main character's introduction in what's now Chapter 7, you immediately hook the reader with their perspective and stakes, which can be more engaging than delaying their appearance. Then, using Chapter 2 (your current Chapter 1) with a "Three Days Earlier" marker, you can backtrack to provide context, world-building, or events leading up to the main character's entrance. This approach is common in novels and films to create intrigue and momentum. For example:
- Chapter One: The main character's dramatic introduction (current Chapter 7).
- Chapter Two: Three Days Earlier: The original opening, setting up the context or events that lead to Chapter One.
This structure can heighten suspense, as readers will want to know how the earlier events connect to the main character's situation. It works especially well if Chapter 7 has a compelling hook—action, mystery, or an emotional pull—while the original Chapter 1 provides necessary background without needing the main character present.
Do You Need to Worry About the Current Structure?
Delaying the main character's appearance until Chapter 7, as your novel is currently structured, isn't inherently problematic, but it carries risks:
1. Reader Engagement: If the first six chapters focus on secondary characters or setup without introducing the main character, readers may struggle to connect with the story. Most readers expect to meet the protagonist early to anchor their emotional investment.
2. Pacing: Six chapters of buildup might feel slow, especially in genre fiction (e.g., thriller, fantasy, or sci-fi), where readers often expect quicker access to the central figure.
3. Genre Expectations: In literary fiction, a delayed protagonist introduction might work if the early chapters are richly atmospheric or character-driven. In commercial fiction, however, readers typically want the main character sooner.
If the early chapters are gripping, introduce compelling secondary characters, or establish a strong narrative voice, you might not need to change the structure. For example, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin delays some main characters' introductions by using multiple perspectives, but each chapter is engaging enough to sustain interest. If your early chapters feel like a slog or lack a clear connection to the main character, restructuring could be beneficial.
Considerations for Your Proposed Change
- Clarity: The "Three Days Earlier" marker is clear and effective, as discussed previously. Ensure the transition between the new Chapter 1 (current Chapter 7) and Chapter 2 (current Chapter 1) is smooth. You might need a brief sentence in Chapter 2 to ground readers in the new timeline, e.g., "Three days before [main character's key action from Chapter 1], the city was already stirring…"
- Narrative Flow: Make sure the shift from the new Chapter 1 to the flashback in Chapter 2 feels purposeful. The earlier events should clearly tie into the main character's story, so readers aren't left wondering why the timeline jumped.
- Foreshadowing: If possible, sprinkle subtle hints in the new Chapter 2 (current Chapter 1) that connect to the main character's situation in Chapter 1. This creates a sense of cohesion and keeps readers curious.
- Rest of the Structure: If you reorder the chapters, consider how the remaining chapters (current Chapters 2–6 and beyond) fit. Will you continue in chronological order after Chapter 2, or will there be more time jumps? Ensure the timeline remains clear to avoid confusion.
Should You Change It?
You don't need to change the current structure if the early chapters are engaging and purposeful. However, if you're concerned about the delayed introduction of the main character (as it seems you are), starting with their appearance in Chapter 7 and using a flashback for context is a strong alternative. It could make the story more immediate and reader-friendly, especially if the original Chapter 1 is more expository or setup-heavy.
To decide, ask yourself:
- Are the first six chapters compelling enough to hold readers without the main character? (Test this with beta readers if possible.)
- Does starting with Chapter 7 create a stronger hook? (Compare the opening paragraphs of both chapters.)
- Can the events of the current Chapter 1 be effectively conveyed as a flashback without losing impact?
If you're unsure, you could try writing the new opening (Chapter 7 as Chapter 1, followed by Chapter 1 as a flashback) and see how it feels. You might also share both versions with trusted readers to gauge which grabs them more.
Final Recommendation
Your proposed structure—starting with the main character's introduction and then jumping to "Three Days Earlier"—is a solid strategy to address your concern about the delayed protagonist. Use a clear marker like Chapter Two: Three Days Earlier to signal the shift. You don't have to worry about the current structure if the early chapters are strong, but the new approach is likely safer for reader engagement, especially if you're writing for a broad audience. If you want to stick with the original structure, consider tightening the early chapters to ensure they're gripping and hint at the main character's relevance to sustain interest until Chapter 7.
Anyway, I thought the response was right on, clear, and informative. And it didn't tell me how to do it. It gave suggestions for me to consider.