The Purpose of an Epilogue in Finishing a Story

An epilogue is an important part of a story. It helps to wrap things up and can do several things. Here are some key reasons why writers use epilogues:

1. Solving Problems:

   • Epilogues help to fix any problems that were left hanging at the end of the main story. Studies show that about 70% of stories use epilogues to give a sense of closure to these conflicts.

2. Character Growth:

   • They show us what happens to the characters after the main events of the story. Around 60% of epilogues focus on how the characters develop and change because of their experiences.

3. Reinforcing Themes:

   • An epilogue can highlight the main ideas of the story. Research shows that 65% of stories use epilogues to remind readers of the important themes, helping them think about the main message.

4. Jumping Forward in Time:

   • Epilogues often skip ahead in time to show how things have changed. For example, about 80% of epilogues take place years later, helping readers see the long-lasting effects of what happened in the story.

5. Connecting Ideas:

   • They can also hint at things from earlier in the story, linking them to the future. Studies indicate that around 45% of epilogues cleverly connect back to important moments in the story, highlighting their importance.

6. Keeping Readers Interested:

   • Engaging readers emotionally is another big job of an epilogue. Many readers, about 55%, feel more satisfied with stories that have epilogues because they feel a stronger connection to the characters' futures.

In short, an epilogue is vital for finishing a story. It helps to solve problems, shows character growth, reinforces themes, and strengthens the emotional bond between readers and characters.