Answer: prologue

AnswerCrossword Clue
PROLOGUEIntroduction
PROLOGUEPlay opening, sometimes
PROLOGUELiterary introduction
PROLOGUEIntroduction to a play.
PROLOGUERumor's speech, in "King Henry IV."
PROLOGUEDrama starter
PROLOGUELiterary kickoff
PROLOGUESpeech that opens a play
PROLOGUENovel beginning
PROLOGUEWhat may precede Chapter 1 in a novel
prologuethe introductory part of a novel, play, etc.
prologueto preface, also PROLOG