How to begin a story

[drakensis]

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Joe Hero was an ordinary high school student before his life changed. He was five foot twelve, 17 stone, and wore a purple waistcoat on alternate Fridays. His girlfriend was Ann Image, who made her living as a screen saver on his computer.

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That is indeed the classic error of starting a story. Half that information is irrelevant, the other half would be better provided in the prologue scene, along with ye olde plot hook.
The rule is show, don't tell, until you have their attention. Infodumps can come later.
D for Drakensis

You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.