Q&A for How to Write an Epilogue

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How many key events need to be in the epilogue?

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There's no certain amount of key events that need to be included in an epilogue. Just make sure to cover the outcome of the story.

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Question

Should an epilogue have a title?

Read4ever

Community Answer

An epilogue can have a title, but it is not necessary. An example can be "20 years later," to show how your characters have developed in those 20 years.

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Question

Do I finish with "The End" and then the epilogue?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No, the epilogue is part of the story. Typically a story with an epilogue doesn't use the words "The End."

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Do I label the epilogue in the paper's text, such as at the top of the last page?

Donagan

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Yes, epilogues are usually labeled as such, typically at the beginning of the epilogue.

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Can I put a prologue and epilogue in each chapter of a memoir?

Donagan

Top Answerer

That would be overkill. Books typically have no more than one prologue and one epilogue.

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Question

How long should an epilogue be, on average?

Donagan

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It's entirely up to the author. Typically an epilogue might run three pages or less (but could be longer).

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Does this show how to write an epilogue that can be applied to a thesis?

Donagan

Top Answerer

When writing a thesis, it is not customary to add an epilogue.

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Do I have to write both an epilogue and a prologue?

Donagan

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No. Often a book with a prologue will have an epilogue -- but not always. Many books with epilogues do not have prologues.

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Is there a certain format used for epilogues?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Not really. It's typically the same format used in the main part of the book.

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