prologues

A prologue is an opening section of a literary work that precedes the main plot. The term derives from the Greek prologos, meaning “before speech” or “before word.” Prologues can appear in novels, plays, and other narrative forms and are used to provide background information, set the mood, or introduce key themes or events that will influence the story.

In classical drama, prologues (prologoi) were often spoken by a character or by the chorus to situate the audience before the action begins. They might explain the situation, summarize events, or frame the tone of the play. In later literature, prologues broaden beyond performance to encompass a range of devices that establish setting, backstory, or a frame for the narrative.

In contemporary fiction, prologues are typically optional and may present material that occurs before the main sequence of events, offer a scene from a different character’s point of view, or present a situation that foreshadows later developments. A prologue can serve as a hook, a piece of world-building, or a succinct snapshot that colors the reader’s understanding of the story.

Prologues should be distinguished from other introductory elements. A foreword is usually written by someone other than the author and discusses the work’s relevance; a preface is written by the author about the book’s creation; an epilogue follows the main narrative and often provides closure or a glimpse of outcomes after the ending.

Overall, prologues are a stylistic choice that can enrich context and atmosphere, though they are not universally required and some readers prefer to begin directly with chapter one.