A prologue is an introduction at the beginning of a book, play, or movie that sets the stage for the main story.

In a novel, a prologue might show an important event from the past that helps you understand what happens later. For example, a fantasy book's prologue might reveal how an ancient evil was defeated centuries ago, helping readers understand why the heroes must face it again. In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the prologue tells you right away that the story will end in tragedy, creating suspense about how it will unfold.

A prologue is different from Chapter One. The first chapter begins the main story with the main characters in their normal setting. A prologue stands apart: it might feature different characters, happen at a different time, or use a different narrative style. Think of it like the preview before a movie, except it's actually part of the story.

Not every book needs a prologue. Some authors jump straight into Chapter One, while others use a prologue to share crucial background information or create mystery. When done well, a prologue makes you eager to discover how its events connect to the story ahead.