Published: February 1, 2024 | Last Updated: December 17, 2024
Epilogue Definition & Meaning
An epilogue is the last little bit after the story ends. It ties up loose ends, gives a glimpse into what happens next, or shows where the characters land. It’s a way of saying, “Here’s the aftermath—now we’re done for real.” A solid epilogue wraps things up with a resolution or a final look at the characters’ lives. It’s like a last reflection, showing where everyone ends after the main story ends.
This is the End: The difference between Epilogue, Resolution, and Denouement.

An epilogue, resolution, and denouement are all part of the story that occurs after the climax and help close the narrative. While they serve similar purposes, there are slight differences between these terms.
- The resolution is the final part, where conflicts are resolved and loose ends are tied up. The resolution follows after the climax.
- The denouement is the aftermath and the unraveling of the remaining plot elements. The denouement follows after the resolution but before the epilogue.
- The epilogue is a conclusion that provides closure to the story, often set in the future. The epilogue follows after the denouement.
Example
In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), the resolution is the destruction of the One Ring and Sauron’s downfall.
The denouement is the series of emotional and reflective moments that follow the climax. Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, The Fellowship briefly reunites, and the Hobbits return to the Shire.
The epilogue occurs when Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, and the elves leave Middle-earth for the Undying Lands.
Epilogue Examples from Movies
Here are a few examples of great epilogues from famous movies:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) ends with an epilogue that reveals Andy Dufresne and Red’s fate. It shows them reuniting in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, where they fulfill their dream of starting a new life. This final moment provides closure and leaves us with a sense of hope and redemption.
La La Land (2016)
The epilogue in La La Land (2016) is a dream sequence that shows an alternate reality where Mia and Sebastian are together. It reflects the choices they made and the paths they didn’t take. The moment leaves us with a bittersweet mix of emotions about love, sacrifice, and what could have been.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises ends with an epilogue set several years after the main events. It reveals Bruce Wayne’s fate—presumed dead but shown living peacefully away from Gotham City. The epilogue wraps up the superhero trilogy and hints at Batman’s legacy.
If you’re into The Caped Crusader, see an analysis of famous Batman movie quotes.
Summing Up
An epilogue is the final chapter that wraps up loose ends and provides closure. It allows us to reflect on the characters’ journeys and offers a glimpse into their lives beyond the main story.