What is the prologue means?

the preface or introduction
Definition of prologue 1 : the preface or introduction to a literary work. 2a : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the beginning of a play. b : the actor speaking such a prologue. 3 : an introductory or preceding event or development.

What should be included in a prologue?

6 Tips for Writing a Prologue

  1. Provide backstory and set the scene for the story that follows.
  2. Hook the reader by hinting at what lies ahead.
  3. Write the prologue from a different point of view.
  4. Don’t use the prologue as an infodump.
  5. Keep it short to keep the reader interested.

Are prologues and epilogues important?

Just as a prologue can reveal an event that happened long before your story’s time, an epilogue can show readers where your characters end up. For example, you can let readers know that the lovers’ relationship survives and they later get married, or that a character in peril ultimately lives a long, happy life.

Are prologues necessary?

If you have the information you must convey to the reader that can’t be worked into the main novel, you may need a prologue. If the story doesn’t make sense without the prologue. If you can remove the prologue (or a reader can skip it), and their understanding is not damaged, a prologue is not necessary.

What is opposite of a prologue?

The opposite of prologue is called epilogue.

How many words is a prologue?

Some sites suggest no more than 1,000 words while others say up to 3,000 words is an adequate number. If it helps, my average chapter is about 1.5K words.

How long is a typical prologue?

The length of a prologue depends on the nature of the story, but it’s best to keep it trim. One to five pages should suffice. “I don’t mind prologues if they fit the story, and I do like them fairly short,” says agent Andrea Hurst, president of Andrea Hurst & Associates.

What is the purpose of epilogue?

In fiction writing, an epilogue is a literary device that functions as a supplemental, but separate, part of the main story. It is often used to reveal the fates of the characters in a story and wrap up any loose ends.

What is an epilogue example?

This is a supplemental section to tell readers the fate of the main characters and wrap up any other loose ends that weren’t accomplished in the main story. For example, in the Harry Potter series, the epilogue takes place 19 years later.

Do literary agents hate prologues?

“Most agents hate prologues. Just make the first chapter relevant and well written.” “Prologues are usually a lazy way to give back-story chunks to the reader and can be handled with more finesse throughout the story.

What is a synonym of prologue?

noun. 1’the prologue to his book on the harrowing contemporary history of Cambodia’ introduction, foreword, preface, preamble, prelude, preliminary. informal intro. rare exordium, proem, prolegomenon, prooemium, prooemion.