One way is to start with a character in a relatable situation. For example, a young girl waiting nervously for her first day at a new school. It immediately makes the reader empathize.
You can start with a shocking event. For example, a character witnessing a murder right at the beginning of the story. This grabs the reader's attention immediately.
Beginning with an intriguing character in an unusual situation can be effective too. Say, a young girl wakes up in a world where all the colors are reversed. It makes the reader curious about who this girl is and what will happen to her in this strange place. Also, starting with a dialogue can be good. Like, '"Where are we?" he asked, his voice trembling as he looked around the desolate landscape.' It creates immediate tension and makes the reader want to know more about the speakers and their situation.
You can start a fiction story by introducing a mystery. For instance, 'The letter arrived on a Tuesday, addressed to no one in particular, yet it held a secret that would change everything.' Action is another great start. 'He ran as fast as he could, not daring to look back at the shadowy figure chasing him.' And a character's emotion can be a starting point too. 'Anger welled up inside him as he stared at the unfair verdict.'
One way to start a story in 3rd person fiction is by setting the scene. For example, 'The small town of Oakwood lay still under the early morning mist, its cobblestone streets empty save for a stray cat.' This immediately gives the reader a sense of place.
A good way is to introduce a mysterious character. Say something like 'There was a man in the corner of the room, his face hidden by the shadows. No one knew who he was or what he was doing there.' This mystery makes the reader want to learn more about the character.
A good way is to start with a vivid action scene. Maybe a sword fight between two knights in a dark, fog - covered forest. The clang of metal against metal and the grunts of the combatants would draw the reader in immediately.
One good way is to start with an interesting dialogue. For example, 'Where have you been?' she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's going on between the characters.
Start with a memory. A character recalling a special moment from their childhood, like that time they got lost in the woods but found their way back. It gives a sense of the character's past and can lead to the present story.
Beginning with a mysterious character can be effective too. 'There was a man in a long, black coat who always seemed to be lurking in the shadows. No one knew his name or where he came from. His eyes were cold and empty, and whenever he passed by, an icy chill filled the air.'