When should the problem in a novel be introduced?

[Monica Meyer]

First chapter, do you think?

 

[Steven J Pemberton]

As early as possible. A novel can, and probably should, have several problems. It's OK not to get to the main one for a few chapters, but there should be something in the first chapter, the first page, the first paragraph, to grab the reader's interest and make them want to know what happens next.

 

[Meklar]

Whenever it is appropriate; it depends on what kind of plot and theme you're going for. But generally, better sooner than later. A plot is built around conflict and tension. Even if you don't reveal the 'ultimate problem' right off the bat, you should at least throw in some minor challenge for the characters so that there's something interesting to write about while you get the main plot moving in the background and later bring it up to the front. No one wants to waste any time reading boring stuff, so don't waste any of your time writing it.

 

[DOLL]

Sounds like you need to look into plots. there are various types of plots and these will determin exactly when your problems and actions sequesnces should take place. Chapters has some good books sdealing with the subjec t and plots inspecific my favorite plot is called the bread and butter plot or the dynamic plot it is even refered to as the W plot the high low points on the W refereing to sequence of the action. my next favorite plot is the round plot or the circle plot which basically brings the story around to a compleeted circle. the meansing of the story is how the center of the circle affected everyone else in the story.
WEll it is food for thought. Enjoy your reading up on these plots as you do you will find you reveal the answer to your own question

 

[Emily Lister]

It depends on the purpose of the story , the storyline, etc.
I'm a writer, and sometimes I introduce the key 'problem' on the first page of the novel; sometimes I don't introduce it till the end, unravelling the story. Revealing all the secrets too early on in the novel will initially grab the readers' attention, but not maintain it.

 

[Caitlyn]

It really depends on how long the book is going on for and the problem. Sometimes the characters, even.

If it is a short story --say, ten chapters or less-- introduce it in the first or second chapter.

(normal amount) Around 20-40 chapters, I'd say ease into it. Start showing the hints and forebodings of trouble in the second or third chapter-unless you plan to drop the problem like a bomb. I'd say in this length of a book, chapter six at MOST.

50 chapters and above, you need to create more than one problem, or introduce the problem in the tenth-twentyth chapter.

 

[the tall ginger one]

the first chapter. if you start it later, people will stop reading because its too slow.

 

[Sara L]

fool the readers by making up a problem that is not the actual problem to keep them reading in the beginning then introduce a deeper problem near the end (last 6 chapters). But it depends on what kind of book you are considering.

 

[SgtXcom]

In the very first sentence.