The first sentence in any piece of writing carries huge weight. Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or even a humble blog post, your opening line is your first (and potentially only) chance to grab the audience’s attention. A powerful opening sets the tone, sparks curiosity, and invites the reader to stick around and continue reading. But not every opening line works the same way. In fact, there are several types of opening lines in writing, each with their own purpose – some begin with a bang, others slowly pull readers into the world of the story. From shocking statements to quiet reflections, the way you start can shape your whole piece. Today at What We Writing, we’re breaking down the most effective types of opening lines, exploring famous examples from literature, and demonstrating how different genres use opening sentences to hook their audiences.
The Main Types Of Opening Lines
1. The Shocking Statement
What it does:
This type grabs the reader’s attention instantly with something bold, unexpected, or provocative. It often disrupts expectations and forces the reader to continue reading out of sheer curiosity or surprise.
Example:
“All this happened, more or less.” – Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.
Why it works:
This line is jarring in its ambiguity. Is it true? Is it fiction? It instantly challenges the boundaries between fact and fabrication, setting the stage for a novel that plays around with time, memory, and truth. A shocking opener plants immediate intrigue in the audience’s mind.
2. The Vivid Description
What it does:
This opener paints a picture, drawing the reader into a setting or atmosphere with rich sensory detail. It helps establish a tone and mood from the very get-go.
Example:
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” – 1984 by George Orwell.
Why it works:
The seemingly mundane description becomes unsettling with the final word. The audience is immersed in a world that appears to be familiar but is governed by strange rules. This type of opener is especially effective in speculative and dystopian fiction, literary fiction, and historical novels.
3. The Philosophical Reflection
What it does:
This type opens with a broader thought, observation, or musing – often reflective or universal. It encourages readers to stop and consider something deeper right from the outset.
Example:
“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
Why it works:
It sets a contemplative, serious tone and introduces the central theme of the novel upfront. This opener prepares the reader for a story driven by emotional complexity and defined by human relationships.
4. The Mysterious Hook
What it does:
This opener suggests something unexplained – an event, a feeling, or a secret – that demands resolution. It’s designed to plant a question that keeps readers engaged.
Example:
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” – The Gunslinger by Stephen King.
Why it works:
There’s action and enigma right away. Who are these characters? Why are they chasing each other? This technique is especially effective in thrillers, mysteries, fantasies, and horrors.
Check Out Our Guide On How To Start A Fantasy Novel
5. The In Medias Res Action Start
What it does:
Latin for “into the middle of things,” this type drops the audience straight into an active moment, often before we know who the characters are or what is going on.
Example:
“We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.” – Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
Why it works:
There’s no setup – just motion, urgency, and immediacy. This kind of opener is excellent for stories that thrive on energy and chaos, especially adventure, crime, or satire.
6. The Dialogue Opener
What it does:
This type of opening line launches the story through spoken words – usually without prior context. It can reveal a character, tone, or setting in a natural, immersive manner.
Example:
“Where’s Papa going with that ax?” said Fern to her mother.” – Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.
Why it works:
Dialogue immediately humanises the scene. Here, it also raises an immediate concern – why does Papa have an axe? This technique can be friendly, disarming, or ominous, depending on the nature of the dialogue itself.
7. The Funny or Quirky Opener
What it does:
This opener uses charm, wit, or absurdity to capture the audience’s attention in a more lighthearted manner. It invites curiosity through the character’s voice or tone.
Example:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Why it works:
The irony and playfulness here sets the stage for social satire and romantic tension. A humorous or quirky first line can immediately give the reader a sense of the narrator’s attitude and of the world they’re about to enter.
Check Out Our Guide To Writing Compelling First Chapters
How Different Genres Use Opening Line Types
Whilst any type of opening line can work in any genre, some are more commonly used because they align closely with reader expectations and emotional tone. Here’s a quick look at which types of opening lines tend to work best by genre – and why:
| Genre | Common Opening Line Types | Why They Work |
| Thriller | Shocking, In Medias Res, Mysterious | Thrillers thrive on tension. These openers create urgency, suspense, and stakes. |
| Romance | Dialogue, Vivid Description, Quirky | Builds intimacy quickly, showcases voice, and sets a tone for readers to connect with |
| Literary | Philosophical, Descriptive, Experimental | Invites reflection, establishes the theme, and highlights the stylistic depth |
| Horror | Mysterious, Shocking, In Medias Res | Opens with fear, foreboding, or the uncanny – perfect for unsettling readers. |
| Fantasy | Vivid Description, Mysterious, Philosophical | Grounds readers in a new world, or hints at deeper mythos or stakes. |
| Sci-Fi | Philosophical, Shocking, In Medias Res | Raises “what if” questions or drops readers into high-concept scenarios. |
| Comedy/Satire | Quirky, Dialogue, Humorous | Introduces character voice and humour right from the off. |
| Mystery/Crime | Mysterious, Shocking, Dialogue | Establishes the puzzle or crime, often beginning mid-situation or with a clue. |
Try These Opening Line Writing Prompts Yourself
Ready to experiment with different types of opening lines in your own writing? Take advantage of these writing prompts as creative jumpstarts – each one reflects the tone and purpose of the style it’s paired with.
Shocking Statment
Prompt:
Write a story that starts with: “They told me I’d be dead by morning.”
Start with a jolt. Your aim is to ask immediate questions and hook your readers in seconds.
Vivid Description
Prompt:
Describe a setting that appears peaceful on the surface, but contains one detail that feels off – something that hints all is not as it seems.
This is your chance to set the mood and tone through imagery alone.
Philosophical Reflection
Prompt:
Begin with a thought like: “Every lie we tell becomes truth, if we believe it long enough.”
Let your first line suggest a theme or moral tension.
Mysterious Hook
Prompt:
Write an opening line that makes the reader ask: “What’s going on?” without giving the answer away.
Example starter: “There were exactly nine crows on the fence every morning, until today.”
In Media Res
Prompt:
Jump into the middle of a scene: an argument, a chase, a disaster. Start with action, not explanation.
Try something like: “I didn’t see the blood until I touched the door handle.”
Dialogue Opener
Prompt:
Begin your story with a piece of dialogue that reveals something crucial or startling.
Example: If I help you bury the body, you never mention this again.”
Funny or Quirky Opener
Prompt:
Write an opening line that makes the reader smile, roll their eyes, or tilt their head in curiosity.
Try: “My day started with a flamingo, three muffins, and a very bad decision.”
Wrap Up
Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or blog post, your opening line is more than just a place to start – it’s your prime time to hook the audience, set the tone, and hint at what is to come. By exploring different types of opening lines – from shocking statements to quiet reflections – you can craft openings that not only grab attention but also align with your story’s voice, genre, and purpose.
Try experimenting with various opening styles, revisit your favourite books to see how they begin, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to revise until your first line feels just right. Because the best openings don’t just start a story – they pull readers in and don’t let go.
Check Out Our Guide To Writing First Lines
