In Medias Res

Imagine opening a book and, on the very first page, a character is dangling from a cliff. No backstory. No explanation. Just tension, danger, and a thousand questions racing through your mind. That’s the power of in medias res—a Latin term that means “in the middle of things.”

This literary technique drops readers directly into the action, skipping the slow buildup and diving headfirst into the heart of the story. Instead of easing into the plot with long introductions, in medias res trusts that the audience is smart enough to piece things together as they go. Think of it like starting a movie with a high-speed car chase, and only later learning why the chase is happening.

The technique dates back to Homer, who used it in The Iliad and The Odyssey. Both epics start mid-conflict and use flashbacks or dialogue to reveal earlier events. Since then, in medias res has been a favorite of authors, screenwriters, and playwrights for its ability to instantly grip attention. In modern storytelling, movies like Star Wars: A New Hope (which begins mid-battle)  use this narrative style.

So why does in medias res work so well? Simple: we’re curious creatures. When thrown into a scene already unfolding, our brains demand to know what led up to it and what will happen next. It creates narrative tension, which keeps readers turning pages. And because the story backfills the missing pieces as it moves forward, the pacing feels tighter and more exciting.

Whether you’re a writer crafting your own tale or a reader who loves a fast start, in medias res proves that sometimes, the best place to begin… is right in the middle.