PROLOGUE

COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS: PROLOGUE

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AUTHOR COMMENTARY: PROLOGUE - YOU’RE GOING TO MISS HIM

This might surprise you, but the Prologue was the very last part of A Good Man that I wrote. When I finished the first draft, the story was complete, yet it felt like it was missing something—a frame. I wanted to show you the man Paul becomes before we delve back in time to see how he arrived there: his quiet strength, his profound love for his wife, and the weight of the past he carries with him.

Starting with Will’s funeral was a deliberate choice. For those of you who read Eternally & Evermore, released just before this book, I knew it would have some shock value! More importantly, Will’s role in Paul’s life cannot be overstated, and his presence is crucial to “The Paul Robertson Saga.” In the text, Paul describes him as a father figure, a mentor, and a teacher ... and then as his business partner. Wait, what? Business partner? How did that happen? That is one of the first mysteries you are about to see solved.

Will’s funeral also immediately grounds the story in one of its core themes: how we deal with loss. For me, the shift from the sadness of the funeral to the intimacy between Paul and his wife was crucial. It isn’t about celebrating death; it’s about affirming life. It’s a testament to how those who are left behind cling to each other in the face of grief.

That final line—”the choice that started it all”—is the mission statement for the novel. This prologue shows you the destination; the rest of the book is the journey. I wanted to assure you, the reader, that every event you are about to witness, every choice Paul makes, leads directly to this moment. Are you ready to see how it all began?

AI ANALYSIS: PROLOGUE - YOU’RE GOING TO MISS HIM
This prologue serves as an effective framing device, setting a reflective and poignant tone for the novel. It establishes the narrator in his later life, looking back from the year 2048, which immediately creates a sense of history and consequence for the story that is about to unfold.

1 Plot

a) New plots & subplots introduced:

The prologue introduces several key plot elements that will presumably drive the reader through the main narrative.

• The Framing Narrative: The primary plot introduced is that of the narrator, Paul Robertson, reflecting on his life. The entire novel is positioned as a flashback, beginning with a specific, life-altering choice made “thirty-eight years ago.” This creates an immediate narrative question: what was that choice and how did it lead him to this specific point in 2048?

• The Central Mystery - The Wife’s Identity: A subtle but powerful plot is introduced regarding the identity of Paul’s wife. She is described as having “blonde hair” and “vibrantly blue” eyes, which aligns with the description of Clarissa in the novel’s synopsis. However, she is never named. Given the synopsis mentions a “devastating tragedy,” the reader is forced to question whether this woman is Clarissa or if Paul found love again after a loss. This is an excellent hook.

• The Importance of Will: The funeral for a man named Will establishes a subplot. Paul’s profound grief and Amy’s statement, “You were the son he never had,” indicate that Will’s role as a mentor and father figure will be a significant thread in Paul’s life story.

Paul’s Relationship with Death: Paul explicitly states, “Death has haunted me all my life.” This is not just a passing comment but is presented as a core theme and a recurring antagonist in his life’s story, setting the stage for future tragedies.