Prologue & Epilogue
In short: A prologue is an opening placed before the first chapter; an epilogue a closing placed after the ending. Both stand outside the main action and frame it.
Where the term comes from
Both words come from Greek drama: prólogos („foreword“) opened the play, epílogos („afterword“) closed it. From the theatre they moved into narrative fiction.
How to use a prologue and epilogue
Only if it truly earns its place: A prologue is worth it when it shows something the first chapter cannot – not as a mere warm-up.
No info-dump: Don't pack world-building into the prologue. It should intrigue, not lecture.
The epilogue for the aftermath: An epilogue shows what became of the characters, or opens one last door – after the main conflict is resolved.
Don't give away the tension: Reveal nothing in the prologue that would diminish the suspense of the main story.
Prologue & Epilogue on Fireside
In short forms a prologue and epilogue are rarely needed – the exposition in the first paragraph usually does the job. In longer, serialized stories, though, they can set a lovely frame.
Related terms: Exposition · Narrative Arc · Through-Line
Frequently asked questions
What is a prologue?
A section placed before the first chapter that stands outside the actual plot and introduces it.
What is the difference between a prologue and an epilogue?
The prologue comes at the start and opens; the epilogue comes at the end and closes or gives an outlook.
Does every story need a prologue?
No – a prologue is only worth it when it does something the first chapter cannot.