What Is An Epilogue In A Book? Definition & Examples

You’ve just spent hours absorbed in a novel, connecting with the characters, feeling their struggles, celebrating their victories. But as you turn the final page, something feels incomplete. What happens to the characters after the dust settles? Do they find happiness? Do they change? Without this closure, the story can feel like it ended abruptly. 

This is where an epilogue comes in. An epilogue is a tool that offers readers a final glimpse into the story’s world after the main events have ended. It’s a chance for the author to tie up loose ends, show how characters have evolved, or hint at what’s next. In this post, we’ll explain what is an epilogue, why authors use it, and how it can turn a good ending into a truly satisfying one.

What Is An Epilogue?

An epilogue is a short section at the end of a book that takes place after the main story has concluded. It often provides closure, answers lingering questions, or hints at the future lives of the characters. The epilogue serves as a “final chapter” of sorts, wrapping up the loose ends that weren’t tidied in the main narrative.

Why Do Authors Use An Epilogue?

Authors use epilogues for several reasons, including:

1. Providing Closure: An epilogue offers a chance to resolve any unanswered questions or reveal how the characters are doing in the future, particularly if the main story concludes in an open-ended way.

2. Showing Character Growth: It can reveal how characters have changed as a result of the story’s events, offering a glimpse into their future lives or what they’ve learned.

3. Creating a Sense of Continuity: In a series, an epilogue can bridge one book to the next by hinting at future challenges, teasing new plot developments or even ending on a cliffhanger!

4. Satisfying Reader Curiosity: Epilogues can satisfy readers who want to know “what happens next,” especially in stories where they’ve become emotionally invested in the characters. 

Examples Of Epilogues In Famous Books

An epilogue is not necessary for every story, but when used effectively as in these examples, it can give your story a powerful ending. 

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

The final book in the Harry Potter series ends with an epilogue set 19 years after the main events. Readers get a glimpse of Harry, Hermione, and Ron as adults, sending their children off to Hogwarts. This epilogue provides closure by showing the characters at peace, having overcome the trials they faced in the series. 

2. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

In The Handmaid’s Tale, the epilogue takes the form of an academic transcript set years in the future, analysing Offred’s story from a scholarly perspective and revealing that the totalitarian regime, Gilead, has fallen. This epilogue allows readers to consider the societal impact of the events and highlights the long-term effects of the dystopian society Atwood created. It also implies that Offred escaped, although her fate after this is unknown. 

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In Mockingjay, the final book of The Hunger Games trilogy, the epilogue shows Katniss and Peeta years after the rebellion, living a quiet life and raising children. This scene contrasts sharply with the intense violence of the series, giving readers a sense of hope and healing. It demonstrates the characters’ resilience and their ability to build a future despite their traumatic pasts.

4. 1984 by George Orwell

Although not every version of 1984 includes an epilogue, some editions feature an appendix explaining the principles of Newspeak, the fictional language used in the story. This epilogue-like addition provides context and depth, giving readers insight into the manipulation of language in Orwell’s dystopian world. While not a traditional epilogue, it serves a similar purpose by enhancing the story’s themes and offering a broader perspective.

Tips For Writing An Epilogue

If you are considering adding an epilogue at the end of your novel, here are a few tips to make it effective:

1. Stay Relevant: An epilogue should add value to the story. Focus on information that enriches the reader’s understanding or provides meaningful closure.

2. Keep It Concise: Epilogues are typically shorter than regular chapters. Stick to the essential points and avoid introducing entirely new plotlines or characters.

3. Try A Different Perspective: Whether your narrative was written in first, second or third person, switching to a different perspective creates fresh insights. This could also be switching to a secondary character’s point of view. 

4. Consider the Future: If you’re writing a series, think about how the epilogue could hint at future events or developments without giving away too much.

Questions About Epilogues

Is An Epilogue The Same As An Afterward? 

No, an epilogue is not the same as an afterword. An epilogue is set within the story’s fictional world and often takes place sometime after the main events. It provides closure to the narrative by extending the storyline beyond the rest of the book.

In contrast, an afterword is typically written from the author’s perspective and is not part of the fictional narrative. Instead, it usually provides insights into the writing process, historical context, or the author’s reflections on the themes explored in the book. 

Epilogue vs. Prologue: What’s The Difference?

While an epilogue comes at the end of a book, a prologue is placed at the beginning. The prologue typically provides background information, sets the tone, or introduces key elements that will be important to the main story. In contrast, the epilogue adds new information, or essentially a “final note” after the main plot has concluded.

Not all books will have an epilogue or a prologue, and authors decide to include them based on the needs of the story. 

Does Every Book Need An Epilogue?

No, not every book needs an epilogue. An epilogue is only necessary if there are additional elements that enhance the story or provide meaningful closure. Many books reach a satisfying conclusion within the main narrative, leaving no need for extra details.

So, if the ending feels complete and satisfying, adding an epilogue may feel unnecessary or even detract from the story’s impact. Ultimately, whether to include an epilogue depends on the story you want to give your readers. 

Try The Power Of An Epilogue In Your Story

An epilogue can be a meaningful addition to a book, offering readers a final, memorable glimpse into the world and lives of the characters they’ve come to know.

There are lots of different ways to create this part of the story whether it’s a look into the future, a subtle hint at a sequel, or an exploration of the story’s broader impact. But when used effectively, an epilogue can give the reader a satisfying ending that they cherish after investing in your novel’s world.