Published: February 5, 2024 | Last Updated: December 11, 2024
Prologue Definition & Meaning
A prologue is an introductory segment that appears at the beginning of a movie or a television show. It provides background information, sets the tone or mood, establishes the time or place, or introduces important characters or events. The prologue often sets the stage for the main story that follows.
Be careful with prologues; too much background information in the prologue can make a movie’s opening scene too information-heavy and dull.
Prologues are commonly used for exposition. However, not all exposition needs to be included in a prologue.
The difference between Exposition and Prologue
There is a difference between a prologue and an exposition. While both provide background information, the primary distinction lies in the story’s structure, placement, and narrative function.
A prologue is a literary device used at the beginning of a story or play to provide background information or set the stage for the main narrative. Exposition is essential for understanding the story and its context.
Screenwriters and authors can introduce background information as exposition at different points in the story to maintain reader engagement.
Examples of Movie Prologues
Here are some cool examples of prologues in movies:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The film opens with a prologue that explains the history of the One Ring, its power, and the events leading up to the story of the film.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The iconic crawl of text that begins each Star Wars film can be considered a prologue. It sets the stage by providing essential context about the ongoing conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.
Up (2009)
The animated film starts with a prologue that tells the love story of the main character, Carl, and his late wife, Ellie. It also shows Carl’s life-long fascination with the explorer Charles Muntz. This prologue sets an emotional foundation for the rest of the film.
The Lion King (1994)
The movie begins with a prologue that introduces the audience to the Pride Lands and the Circle of Life and establishes the conflict between the lion king Mufasa and his brother Scar.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The film opens with a prologue that provides a glimpse into the tragic events surrounding the murder of Harry Potter’s parents and his subsequent life with the Dursley family.
Summing Up
Prologues in film can set the stage by providing key background, hooking us early, or introducing important characters and events. That said, they can slow pacing, confuse us if unclear, or spoil surprises. Their effectiveness depends on execution and how well they support the story. Use a prologue only if it adds real value.
Up Next: What is Point of View in Movies?