What does epilogue mean?
An epilogue is a concluding section appended to the end of a play, novel, film, or similar work, serving to round off the narrative, resolve lingering questions, or comment on events after the main action has ended. The word derives from Greek roots meaning roughly 'a conclusion spoken on top of' a work, and it entered English usage in the early modern period through dramatic tradition. In classical theatre, an actor often stepped forward to deliver the epilogue directly to the audience, a practice Shakespeare famously employs. Beyond literature, the term extends figuratively to any concluding event or statement that brings a real-world affair — a career, a conflict, a life chapter — to a satisfying close. Its counterpart is the prologue, which introduces rather than concludes. Writers value the epilogue as a space for reflection, closure, and a final word that lingers with the reader.
nounA concluding section at the end of a play, novel, or other literary work that comments on or rounds off the main action. By extension, a final event or speech that serves as a fitting conclusion to a series of events.
- A concluding section of a literary or dramatic work that rounds off or comments on the main action.
- A concluding event, speech, or remark that brings a real-life sequence of events to a close.
"The novel's epilogue reveals what became of the characters twenty years after the story's end."
"In the play's epilogue, Rosalind steps forward to address the audience directly."
"His retirement party felt like an epilogue to a long and distinguished career."
Regular plural formation; used when referring to multiple works' concluding sections.
"Both novels end with brief epilogues set decades after the main events."
The word 'epilogue' comes from the Greek for 'conclusion on top of' — literally words delivered 'on' the end of a play.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epilogue
'Epilogue' derives from the Greek 'epilogos', formed from 'epi-' ('upon', 'in addition') and 'logos' ('word', 'speech'), originally denoting a conclusion delivered at the end of a speech or drama. It passed into Latin as 'epilogus' and was adopted into English in the early 17th century, initially in rhetorical use before becoming firmly associated with drama and fiction. It shares its Greek '-logos' root with words such as 'prologue', 'dialogue', and 'monologue'.
How epilogue is actually used
Standard in both formal and informal contexts. In British English it is sometimes spelled 'epilog', though 'epilogue' dominates in all varieties. Plural is 'epilogues'.
Easily confused with epilogue
An afterword is a note by the author (or another writer) following the text, whereas an epilogue is a concluding section that continues or reflects on the story itself.
A prologue opens a work and introduces its action; an epilogue closes it.