Afterending

Afterending is a term used in media analysis and fan discourse to describe content that occurs after the main ending of a narrative work. It can appear as an epilogue, a post-credits scene, or additional material that takes place after the events described in the ending. The term is informal and primarily found in online discussions rather than as an industry label.

Forms of afterending vary by medium. In film and television, afterending often manifests as a post-credits sequence or a coda that reveals consequences, resolves lingering questions, or foreshadows future installments. In video games and other interactive media, afterending may include an epilogue, a continuation that unlocks after finishing the ending, or new chapters and timelines that extend the story beyond the canonical conclusion.

Function and purpose of afterending include providing closure, expanding world-building, or offering a different perspective on characters and events. It can also serve to tease sequels or spin-offs, address ambiguities, or present alternative outcomes. Whether afterending is considered canonical depends on the creator’s intent and franchise policy; some works treat afterending content as an official continuation, while others position it as non-canonical or ambiguous.

See also: epilogue, post-credits scene, true ending, canonical versus non-canonical storytelling. The concept of afterending is mainly used in fan communities and critical discussions to analyze how narratives extend beyond their primary conclusion and how such extensions affect interpretation and engagement with a work.