Question

Is revealing the outcome of the plot in the prologue an effective technique for creating suspense, or would you prefer not to be told what will happen? Support your opinion with reasons in two to three sentences.

Answer 1

I find revealing the outcome in a prologue can be very effective because it establishes high stakes and creates dramatic irony—readers are hooked to discover how and why it happens, which builds suspense about the unfolding process rather than the destination. However, some readers may prefer not to be told because withholding the outcome preserves mystery and surprise, so the choice should match the story’s tone and the kind of tension the writer wants to create.