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Literary Devices

Literary Form

Prologue

A prologue is used to introduce a story or play, often providing background information and setting the stage for the events to come. It is typically found at the beginning of a piece of literature and is often written in a different style or tone than the rest of the work. Prologues can be used to establish the themes and tone of the work, introduce the main characters or conflicts, or provide historical or cultural context for the story. They are a common device in many forms of literature, including novels, plays, and epic poems.

A prologue is a distinct opening section that precedes a work's principal action or argument. It may supply context, frame the telling, establish a voice, or present an earlier event without functioning as the first chapter.

A prologue records the treaty signed twenty years before the protagonist is born.
The opening supplies prior context.

See it in language

Examples of Prologue

  1. A prologue records the treaty signed twenty years before the protagonist is born.

    Instructional example

  2. Before the play begins, a chorus tells the audience what kind of story will follow.

    Instructional example

    The prologue frames the performance.

  3. A brief witness statement precedes Chapter One and changes how readers judge it.

    Instructional example

    A distinct opening can establish perspective.

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  1. William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

    — The prologue to this play is written in sonnet form and sets the stage for the tragic events to come. It establishes the feud between the Montagues and Capulets and foreshadows the tragic ending of the play.

  2. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

    — The prologue to this epic fantasy novel provides historical context for the story, describing the creation of Middle-earth and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron. It also sets the stage for the main conflict of the story, the quest to destroy the One Ring.

  3. Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales

    — The prologue to this collection of stories introduces the main characters, who are on a pilgrimage to Canterbury, and provides social commentary on the medieval society in which they live.

  4. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    — The prologue to this novel sets the stage for the events to come, introducing the main character, Robert Walton, and providing a frame narrative for the story.

  5. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

    — The prologue to this novel introduces the magical world of Hogwarts and sets the stage for Harry's journey as a wizard. It also foreshadows the main conflict of the story, Harry's battle against the evil Lord Voldemort.

Read like an editor

How to recognize it

  1. Define Prologue by its central function, not merely by a nearby feature.
  2. Check the surrounding context before deciding that Prologue applies.
  3. Explain what the classification helps a reader understand about the passage or work.

Common confusion

Prologue vs. Epilogue

A prologue appears before the principal narrative to introduce, frame, or provide context; an epilogue follows it to provide aftermath, closure, or final reflection.

Prologue

A prologue appears before the main work and provides setup, background, framing, or another kind of opening context.

“Before chapter one, a brief prologue shows the storm that separated the two families years earlier.”

Epilogue

An epilogue appears after the main work and provides closure, later outcomes, reflection, or another kind of ending context.

“After the final chapter, an epilogue shows the town rebuilding five years later.”

What's the Difference?

Follow the idea

Related references

Questions readers ask

Frequently asked questions

What is the clearest way to recognize Prologue?

Use the defining criteria and confirm them against the surrounding context rather than relying on one isolated word.

Is Prologue a literary device?

No. In this reference architecture it is classified as literary form.