What Is an Epilogue?

Learn how to write a good epilogue. 

The epilogue is a literary device, used since ancient Greece. At that time, they were employed at the end of plays, offering commentary on the moral of the story. But epilogues have endured and are often found in modern storytelling.

What is the purpose of an epilogue? Does your story need an epilogue? Here's what an epilogue should be and how to use one when writing your book.

What Is the Definition of an Epilogue?

An epilogue is a section at the end of a book that takes place after the main story has concluded. The purpose of an epilogue is often to show where characters are now and what became of them. An epilogue can impart morals or wisdom gained years after the events, establish where the characters are now, or simply give readers a better sense of closure.

Three Things an Epilogue Shouldn't Be

Are you wondering how to write a good epilogue? When determining how to write one, it’s a good idea to be aware of what an epilogue should not be.

Here are three things an epilogue should not be:

1)    An epilogue should not be compensation for a weak ending. Sarah Gardner, a book writer with State of Writing and Paperfellows, says be careful when using an epilogue in your writing: “It's very easy to put one in and use it to compensate for a weak ending. Instead, it's just going to bloat the text.” As Allister Thompson said, “If there's nothing else to say, don't be tempted to say it!”

2)    An epilogue should not be vague. It’s okay to leave the reader wanting more, but don’t leave them confused. Be clear. Did the characters get together in the end? Has the criminal remained free to strike again? Some genres lend themselves well to epilogues, such as crime or romance.

3)    An epilogue shouldn’t be a cliff-hanger. Skilled writers can use them to set up for a sequel, but, if so, it needs to be clear.

Four Things a Good Epilogue Can Do

If you want to use an epilogue in your story, implement it carefully. How do you write an epilogue?

1)    Set your epilogue in the future, to show what happens to your characters. It should contribute to character development, without bringing in new details that aren't relevant to the main story.

2)    “Answer questions, but don’t go overboard,” says Darren Keys, an editor at Ox Essays and Essayroo. “You can offer a new perspective on the events of the story and give a nod to the themes of the story. Don't get into it too much though, as you're simply wrapping up the story.”

3)    How long should an epilogue be? Keep it short. Too long and winding and it will detract from the purpose of the epilogue.

4)    Use it to break up the tension, if there is any. You don't need to write a 'Happily Ever After', but let the reader release the breath they were holding!

How to Write a Good Epilogue

The epilogue isn't something that's used in every book, or even necessary, but it may serve a purpose in your narrative.

First, determine if your book needs an epilogue by reviewing the information above. If so, plan what you want to tell your reader.

·      Release the tension and ensure readers understand what happened to the main character or characters.

·      Possibly use the epilogue to show character development.

·      Give readers the closure they desire, which can happen even without closing up all the loose ends. Decide what needs to be tied up.

·      Answer the reader’s questions.

·      Make sure the epilogue flows with the rest of the story.

·      If you’re planning a sequel, you can set that up.

·      Be concise. The best epilogues are short and to the point.

Used correctly, an epilogue can help you develop a satisfying ending to your story. 

Examples of Epilogues in Literature

What is an example of an epilogue? If you want to know how to write an epilogue in a book, look to great examples in literature – both modern and classic. There are many novels out there that have epilogues, and they work really well. Check out these examples (Note: spoilers ahead!):   

The Handmaid's Tale: The epilogue shifts focus to a researcher who has listened to and transcribed Offred's tapes, calling them 'The Handmaid's Tale.' He ends the epilogue by asking 'Are there any questions?' This turns the focus onto the readers themselves.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: The epilogue takes place in the future, where an older Katniss is a mother, wondering how to explain the events of the past to her two small children. This epilogue shows she is in the process of healing from the events of the books, but it will still take more time.

Moby Dick: In this classic, the book ends on a chaotic note. The epilogue assures the reader that Ishmael was saved by a passing boat and lived to tell the tale.

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Lauren Groff is a book blogger for Academized and UK Writings, and a writer for Boom Essays. She focuses on writing about self-publishing.

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