When writing a story does the main character have to make an appearance right away?

Question

When writing a story for a book does the main character have to make an appearance right away or can he/she appear later in the book (a few chapters ahead).

Answer 1

Hi Johnny,

 

The main character never has to make an appearance right away. Just make sure that the story has a good reason for not mentioning the main character sooner rather than later.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Kimberly

Answer 2

An author can do anything at all he wants with a story! The only "requirement" is that it be intentional, for good reason, and that it eventually be comprehensible to the reader what is happening. Don't confuse the reader too much, in other words, or if you do make sure you clear things up for the reader eventually.

Answer 3

Hi Johnny, as the others have mentioned, a main character needn't appear right away, but there has to be a reason for it; however, some works have several protagonists of equal standing and they may appear at different times. Some are not even people at all, but an animal, a theme or in some cases, the narrator never even encounters that "main character" he/she is constantly referring to. It all depends on the kind of literature and what conventions were used when it was written.

Best,

Maria

Answer 4

There are two things you should consider for this question:

 

1) Is there a reason for the main character to not appear immediately?

2) Does this reason help your story?

 

Many great novels do not introduce their protagonist until much later in the book; however, the style of writing reflects this choice.

 

Either way is appropriate, just ensure you have a reason to delay the character's entrance that does not frustrate the reader.