best first sentences of short stories

The top first sentences of short stories are crucial. They set the stage for the whole story. They can introduce the central conflict, such as 'The war had started and he had no idea how to survive'. This not only gives the context of the story but also makes the reader curious about the character's journey. A good first sentence can also make the story stand out among many others.

Another great one is 'All this happened, more or less.' from 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut. It gives a sense of non - committal, as if the story might be a bit hazy or not entirely reliable. This draws the reader in because they want to find out what 'all this' is and why it's only'more or less' true. It's a simple yet very effective way to start a story that plays with the idea of truth and memory.

Very important. A great first sentence grabs the reader's attention right away. For instance, if it starts with a mystery like 'He saw the figure disappear into the thick fog.', it makes the reader want to know who the figure is and what's going to happen. It's like a hook that pulls the reader in.

Great first sentences can immediately hook the reader. For example, in a mystery short story, a first sentence like 'The body was found at dawn, face down in the rose bushes.' creates instant intrigue. It sets the tone, whether it's suspenseful, humorous, or sad. It also gives a hint about the story's direction, making the reader want to find out more.

A great first sentence could be 'The little girl skipped down the lane, her pigtails bouncing, unaware of the danger lurking around the corner.' Here, we get a vivid image of the character, her innocence, and a hint of impending trouble. Also, 'The door creaked open, and a cold wind swept in, carrying with it a sense of dread.' This sets a spooky mood right from the start.

They can also introduce an interesting character immediately. Like 'There was a man who had not slept in a decade, yet his eyes sparkled with a strange energy.' It makes you want to know more about this odd man and his story. Well, it's all about piquing the reader's curiosity right from the start. If the first sentence can pose a question, either directly or indirectly, it can be very engaging. For instance, 'She opened the box, not knowing it would change her life forever. What was in the box?', this will keep the reader reading to find out.

When the first sentence sets up a high - stakes situation, it's more likely to be remembered. 'With only five minutes left to defuse the bomb, his hands shook uncontrollably.' The sense of urgency and danger makes it a memorable start to a story.

Happy families are all similar, but each unfortunate family is different. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. There is no absolute fairness in the world, but relative fairness. On a scale, the more you get, the more you must bear. Every seemingly low starting point is the only way to reach a higher peak. Everyone likes to be with kind people because kindness is the most beautiful character. Time is a constant but also a variable. There are many diligent people and few lazy people.

The opening of 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' is quite remarkable. It's a very direct and somewhat mysterious start. By simply stating his name (or the name he wants to be called), Ishmael invites the reader into his world. It makes the reader curious about who this Ishmael is and what his story will be about.

One example is 'Call Me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. This first sentence is so iconic and immediately draws the reader in, setting a mood of mystery and adventure related to the sea. It makes you curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be.