Prologue vs. Prequel — What's the Difference?

A prologue or prolog (from Greek πρόλογος prólogos, from πρό pró, "before" and λόγος lógos, "word") is an opening to a story that establishes the context and gives background details, often some earlier story that ties into the main one, and other miscellaneous information. The Ancient Greek prólogos included the modern meaning of prologue, but was of wider significance, more like the meaning of preface.

A prequel is a literary, dramatic or cinematic work whose story precedes that of a previous work, by focusing on events that occur before the original narrative. A prequel is a work that forms part of a backstory to the preceding work.

An introduction or preface, especially a poem recited to introduce a play.

A story or film containing events which precede those of an existing work

An introduction or introductory chapter, as to a novel.

A literary, dramatic, or cinematic work whose narrative takes place before that of a preexisting work in the same series.

An introductory act, event, or period.

(narratology) In a series of works, an installment that is set chronologically before its predecessor, especially the original narrative or (perhaps improper usage) any narrative work with at least one sequel.

A speech or section used as an introduction, especially to a play or novel.

One who delivers a prologue.

(computing) A component of a computer program that prepares the computer to execute a routine.

(cycling) An individual time trial before a stage race, used to determine which rider wears the leader's jersey on the first stage.

To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue.

The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

One who delivers a prologue.

To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue.

An introduction to a play