An epilogue is a concluding section of a work that serves to bring closure to a story or serve as a tie-up of loose ends. It is often referred to as a ‘wrap-up’ or ‘denouement’. Its origin of the word ‘epilogue’ comes from the Greek epi (after) and logoi (words). In ancient Greek theater, the epilogue would be spoken by a character in order to bring closure to the story that was told in the play.
In literature, an epilogue is often written from a different point of view than that of the main character and it serves to answer questions that the plot did not resolve. It is a final commentary on the subject of the story, and can either provide closure for the audience - tying up plot points, or provide a spark of hope and an element of surprise. The content of the epilogue is usually open to interpretation and can be non-linear in its storytelling.
Today, epilogues are often seen in fiction, plays and films, but can also be found in other works such as essays and autobiographies. Whether they are used to bring closure to a story, to provide a glimpse of the future, or to tie up loose ends storytellers often resort to the epilogue as a trustworthy source of resolution and to give the audience a sense of finality.
