The opening installment of a longer work, this section introduces core themes, characters, and settings. It serves as the foundation upon which subsequent parts of the narrative or exposition are built, establishing the initial context for understanding the overall work.
The significance of this introductory segment lies in its ability to captivate an audience and establish a compelling reason to continue engaging with the material. A well-crafted beginning can establish tone, foreshadow future events, and create a connection with the reader or viewer. Historically, initial chapters or segments have often been carefully constructed to draw in patrons and ensure continued interest in serialized works.