Answer: prologue

AnswerCrossword Clue
PROLOGUE

Introduction

PROLOGUE

Play opening, sometimes

PROLOGUE

Literary introduction

PROLOGUE
Introduction to a play.
PROLOGUE
Rumor'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