Summarize:

The opening lines of a short story are essential, as they will keep the reader engaged and interested enough to continue on. The first sentence or first paragraph often introduces the idea or situation that will be explored in the story. It should give the reader clear indications of tone, style, and voice. It may also tell the reader something about the characters and the plot of the story.  Using Kurt Vonnegut’s rules for a short story, a popular reference for writers, you should always try to “start as close to the end as possible” in your opening lines. Place your reader right in the action as soon as you can so they are hooked into reading on. Often, editors will read the first several lines of a story to see if it’s worth reading to the end. Many short stories are selected for publication based on the strength of their opening line. This is why it is important that you consider how you can make an impact on the reader and make an impression with the first one to two lines. To help you get a better sense of how to start your short story, you should read several example opening lines. Note how the writer draws the reader in and uses every word like it counts. Several examples include:  “The first great act of love I ever witnessed was Split Lip bathing his handicapped daughter.” “Isabelle” by George Saunders. “When this story goes out into the world, I may become the most famous hermaphrodite in history.” “The Obscure Object” by Jeffrey Eugenides. “Just before the alarm went off she was lying in a hot sunny garden, with green lawns around her and stretching as far as she could see.” “Elizabeth” by Shirley Jackson. Once you have read over the example opening lines, ask yourself several questions:  How does the writer set the tone or mood? For example, the first line in Eugenides’ short story “The Obscure Object” introduces the narrator as a hermaphrodite and lets the reader know that the narrator’s life story is going to be told. It sets up a reflective mood, where the narrator relays their life as a famous hermaphrodite. How does the writer introduce key characters or setting? For example, Saunders’ first line in his short story “Isabelle” introduces a character named “Split Lip” as well as his handicapped daughter. It also provides a key theme of the story: love between father and daughter. Jackson’s first line in “Elizabeth” uses description and sensory details, like “hot sunny” and “green”, to paint a specific image in the reader’s mind. What are your expectations as a reader, based on the opening lines? A good first line will signal to the reader what they are in store for, and provide just enough information for the reader to be drawn into the story. The opening line in Saunders’ story, for example, lets the reader know that the story may be a bit quirky or strange, with a character named “Split Lip” and a handicapped girl. It is a bold opening that lets the reader know how the story is going to be narrated, with a unique narrative voice.
Keep in mind the role of the beginning of a short story. Read example opening lines. Analyze the examples.