A prologue is an introduction to your novel, usually set apart from the actual plotline (Ie- the main character). It introduces the conflict, setting, world, magic, something along those lines.
They are highly discouraged.
Cram all that stuff into your novel proper, and don't bother separating it all. It's more fun discovering the conflict as you go.
A writer is a world trapped in a person— Victor Hugo
Ink is blood. Paper is bandages. The wounded press books to their heart to know they're not alone.
*ahem It doesn't HAVE to introduce the conflict, setting, world, magic, etc, In fact it's probably better if it DIDN'T introduce the so forth and above. A prologue should be only about 1,000 words long, it's supposed to set up a hook, giving a reader a little taste, leaving them wanting more. (Of course the book then has to follow up) It is NOT a beginning, it's an intro to the beginning.
No more countin' dollars... we'll be countin' stars.
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. — Genesis 3:19
