What does prologue mean?
A prologue is an introductory section, speech, or scene that appears before the main part of a book, play, film, performance, or public event. In literature, it may establish the setting, introduce important characters, provide background, or hint at conflicts to come. In a dramatic or ceremonial setting, it can be a short address that prepares the audience for what follows. The word is broadly synonymous with introduction or opening, but it often carries a more literary or formal tone and may imply a deliberate structural role rather than a casual preliminary remark. A prologue is especially associated with traditional drama, where the opening speech introduces the characters and situation, and it can also appear at the beginning of extended musical works. Its counterpart is the epilogue, which follows the main action and sometimes comments on its consequences.
nounAn introductory section, speech, or scene that comes before the main part of a literary work, performance, or event, often providing background or setting up what follows.
- An opening section of a literary or dramatic work that introduces the characters, setting, background, or main conflict.
- An introductory speech or address delivered before a performance, ceremony, or other event.
- A short opening scene or passage that establishes the context and leads into the main narrative or action.
"The prologue introduces the characters and establishes the remote island where the story will take place."
"The prologue foreshadows the betrayal that drives the rest of the play."
"She gave a brief prologue to the exhibition, explaining the theme behind the collection."
The regular plural of the noun prologue; in literary contexts, multiple prologues may frame separate sections or installments of a larger work.
"The collection's prologues explain the history of each fictional community."
The word points forward: Greek pro- means “before,” and logos means “word” or “speech,” so a prologue is literally the speech before the main event.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prologue come from?
English borrowed the word through Latin prologus from Greek prologos, a term for an introduction or opening speech. Greek pro- means “before,” while logos refers to a word, speech, or account. The form became associated particularly with the opening speeches of ancient Greek and Roman drama, and related English words such as epilogue, dialogue, and monologue preserve the same Greek element.
Related word forms
How prologue is actually used
The word is most common in literary, dramatic, and formal contexts. It can suggest a carefully prepared introduction that creates atmosphere or prepares an audience, although modern usage also includes opening remarks in presentations and public events.
Easily confused with prologue
A prologue is usually an opening section or speech that helps set up the main action, whereas a preface commonly provides the author's preliminary remarks before a book.
A prologue comes before the main action or narrative, while an epilogue comes after it and often comments on its outcome.