Prologue

A prologue is an introductory section of a play, novel, or other literary work. It typically precedes the main narrative and serves to introduce the setting, characters, or themes. Often used to establish context, build anticipation, or provide background information that is crucial to understanding the subsequent story. Prologues can take various forms, including a separate scene, a narrator's address, or a series of short scenes. It can be found on the front page or after the table of contents. They are frequently employed to engage the audience and give vital clues to the reader about the narrative that will unfold.

Prologue meaning with examples

• The novel began with a gripping prologue that depicted a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. This foreboding scene immediately captured the reader's attention and established the suspenseful tone of the narrative, hinting at a major plot point yet to come. The prologue prepared the reader for an intriguing mystery and gave them the world through another character's view.
• Before the curtain rose on the play, a prologue spoken by a chorus member set the scene and introduced the major conflicts. This set up the background information and set the stage for a tale of familial tension. Without the prologue the whole tale would not make any sense.
• In 'Pride and Prejudice', the prologue introduces us to the Bennet family. This sets the stage for the themes of courtship, social expectations and the social hierarchy of the time. The introduction of the characters helps the reader become ready to fully grasp the story that will be told.
• The epic poem included a long prologue that described the creation of the world and the origins of the gods. This served as an explanation for the following narrative by setting the historical context for the reader. This gave the reader an idea of the vastness of the story about to unfold.
• The movie opened with a prologue that showed the aftermath of a war that was a long time ago, giving context to the story being told. This helped to prepare the viewer for the events that were about to unfold, by introducing them to the world.