Question party people. For the beginning of a story, do you feel its fine to start when a character has fallen from grace and is generally down on their luck?
Or do you feel it makes for a more satisfying narrative if you actually get to witness the nose dive prior. As in starting the story when they're flying high.
The reason I ask, is for the latter I feel this has to encompass more than a single prologue or chapter to really have an impact.
I've written a story recently, where the prologue covers the Protagonist seen from another's POV, brimming with confidence and ability. Things turn sour in this prologue and chapter 1 is set 2 years after, with them crestfallen and still suffering the consequences. However, I feel this is almost diluting what happens condensing it into a Prologue and am considering cutting it altogether. But then, it brings us back to the beginning where we're starting with the MC at their lowest point! You can see where I've gotten myself into a tangle.
What are your thoughts peeps? Any insight would be appreciated.