What is in medias res?
Starting a story in the middle of the action.
Jump Right In: The Power of In Medias Res
Starting in the middle of the story is often the best way to hook a reader. This is where in medias res comes in, letting us skip the boring parts and dive right into the juicy bits.
By opening in the middle, we are dropped into a world of action and intrigue, catching glimpses of what has gone before and what is yet to come. It's a technique that has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks, and is still widely used today.
It's not just a matter of getting straight to the point though; in medias res can also add layers of complexity to the story, as we're forced to piece together the missing parts as we go along. This can create a sense of mystery, or even confusion, that keeps the reader on their toes.
So next time you're starting a story, think about whether you might benefit from throwing your readers into the middle of the fray. You might be surprised at how effective it can be!
See in medias res in action with these examples from classic and modern literature!
One of the earliest examples of in medias res can be found in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad, which opens with the tenth year of the Trojan War, just as tensions between the Greeks and Trojans are at their highest.
A modern example of in medias res is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which begins with protagonist Katniss Everdeen waking up on the day of the titular games, already selected as a participant.