To Grab Attention and Create Intrigue: Starting in the middle of the action immediately hooks the reader, leaving them wanting to know more about what led to the current situation and what will happen next. It creates a sense of urgency and mystery.
To Establish Conflict Quickly: By starting with a pivotal moment, the author can quickly introduce the main conflict and set the stakes for the story. This allows for faster pacing and avoids unnecessary exposition.
To Provide a Unique Perspective: Starting in medias res can allow the author to tell the story from a character's perspective who is already experiencing the conflict. This can lead to a more intimate and engaging narrative.
To Use Flashbacks Effectively: By starting in the middle, the author can then use flashbacks to reveal the events that led up to the current situation. This allows for a more dynamic and engaging narrative structure.
To Enhance Dramatic Irony: Starting in medias res can create dramatic irony, where the reader knows more about the situation than the characters. This can build suspense and keep the reader guessing.
To Create a Sense of Disorientation: Sometimes, starting in medias res can create a sense of disorientation and confusion, which can be used to mirror the protagonist's internal state or to create a feeling of unease in the reader.
To Offer a Non-Linear Narrative: This technique can help authors tell stories that are non-chronological, moving back and forth in time to reveal different perspectives and aspects of the plot.
Ultimately, the reason for starting a story in medias res will depend on the author's individual goals for the story and the specific effect they are trying to create.