The bit at the end of a book can be called several things, most commonly an epilogue or an afterword. These sections follow the main narrative and serve different, distinct purposes.
Understanding Book Endings: Epilogue vs. Afterword
When a reader finishes the main story, they might encounter various sections designed to provide closure, context, or additional insights. The two most common literary elements found directly after the story concludes are the epilogue and the afterword.
What is an Epilogue?
An epilogue is a concluding section that typically forms part of the story itself. It extends beyond the main narrative's climax and resolution, offering a glimpse into the characters' future or revealing the ultimate consequences of events depicted in the main plot. Authors often use an epilogue to:
- Provide closure: Show what happens to characters years later.
- Resolve lingering questions: Tie up loose ends not addressed in the main story.
- Hint at sequels: Introduce new conflicts or characters for future installments.
- Share additional details: Offer interesting updates about "what happens next" for the characters or world.
For example, in a fantasy novel, an epilogue might show the hero ruling the kingdom years later, or the fate of a minor character.
What is an Afterword?
In contrast, an afterword is a concluding section that is generally not considered part of the fictional story. It's usually written by the author, or sometimes by another person (like an editor or scholar), to offer commentary, context, or personal reflections on the book. Common uses for an afterword include:
- Author's reflections: Discussing the inspiration behind the story, the research involved, or the writing process.
- Historical context: Providing background information relevant to the setting or themes.
- Acknowledgements: Thanking people who contributed to the book's creation.
- Future projects: Briefly mentioning upcoming works.
- Share additional details: Providing interesting information about the book's journey or its themes.
An afterword might explain the real-life events that inspired a historical novel or detail the challenges the author faced while crafting the plot.
Epilogue vs. Afterword: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Epilogue | Afterword |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Concludes the story, shows "what happens next" | Provides context, commentary, or author's notes |
| Content | Fictional narrative, continuation of plot | Non-fictional, reflections, background info |
| Relation to Story | Part of the story | Not part of the story |
| Author | Typically the book's author | Usually the author, sometimes a third party |
Other Sections at the End of a Book
While epilogues and afterwords are the most common "bits" that relate directly to the narrative or author's commentary, other elements can also appear at the end of a book:
- Postscript (P.S.): A brief, additional thought or message added after the main text and any other concluding sections. It often contains a final, often informal, remark.
- Appendix: Supplementary material that supports the main text but isn't essential for reading the story (e.g., maps, character lists, timelines, documents).
- Glossary: A list of specialized terms used in the book, with their definitions.
- Bibliography: A list of sources cited or consulted by the author.
- Index: An alphabetical list of subjects, names, or places mentioned in the book, with page numbers.
- Author's Note: Similar to an afterword, but often shorter and more focused on specific acknowledgements or clarifications.
Understanding these distinctions helps readers appreciate the deliberate choices authors make in structuring their works. Whether it's to tie up narrative threads or provide a deeper understanding of the creation process, these concluding sections enrich the reading experience.
For more information on literary terms, you can explore resources like Literary Devices and MasterClass.
