Prequel

A prequel is a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work (e.g., a novel, film, or television show) whose narrative chronologically precedes an existing work, often exploring events that lead up to the established story. It typically features the same characters or universe but focuses on their earlier lives, past events, or the origins of the main plot. The term 'prequel' distinguishes itself from a sequel, which continues the story from a later point, and stands alone in exploring a period previously unseen or only alluded to. This type of narrative allows creators to flesh out backstories, explain character motivations, or re-interpret events in light of what is known from the original. The popularity of prequels has fluctuated with audience interest, often experiencing resurgences related to franchise revivals and expansions. Their success often hinges on honoring the source material while offering a compelling and self-contained narrative.

Prequel meaning with examples

• The Star Wars prequels, including *The Phantom Menace*, *Attack of the Clones*, and *Revenge of the Sith*, expanded on the backstory of Darth Vader and the rise of the Galactic Empire. They were created after the original trilogy and detailed the events preceding the formation of the Rebel Alliance. This gave fans context that was absent from the original movies, showing how the Jedi Order fell and Anakin Skywalker was tempted.
• In the realm of gaming, *The Last of Us: Part I* is essentially a prequel that recreates the original game but also builds on the foundations by providing enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics and the prequel explores the origin story and its world, and offers a deeper understanding of the characters' relationships and experiences before the core narrative.
• The novel *The Secret History of Elizabeth and Leicester* acts as a prequel to historical romances, creating a bridge between the lives of the main characters before the events of the main story. It lets fans engage with a beloved world in a new, engaging way, revealing background details and providing more opportunities for exploration of the time.
• The *Alien* franchise has employed prequels, such as *Prometheus* and *Alien: Covenant*, to delve into the origins of the Xenomorph alien species and the company's motivations. This explores the origins of the Alien creature and the mysterious creators, providing a richer context for the dangers encountered in the original *Alien* films.