Sequel vs. Prequel: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
A sequel continues the story from a preceding work; a prequel explores events that occurred before the original work.
Difference Between Sequel and Prequel
A sequel is a literary, filmic, or other form of narrative work that continues the story, or expands upon the theme, of a previously completed one. It usually takes place after the events of the original work, providing new situations, challenges, and characters, while maintaining continuity with the original work. A prequel, on the other hand, is also a work of literature or film that is set before the events of an existing work, often to provide background and context to the original story, and it usually explores the origins of the main characters or the setting.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
The purpose of a sequel is often to expand the original story, to provide more depth to characters, and to further develop the narrative arc, by continuing from where the original work concluded. The prequel, in contrast, typically delves into the history, providing a deeper understanding of character motivations, backgrounds, and the world they inhabit. It offers insights into events that led to the circumstances of the original work, enabling the audience to view the original story from a new perspective.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
A sequel carries forward the narrative, building upon the established plot, often with the intention of resolving unfinished business or expanding the universe of the original work. The characters in a sequel are usually those who have appeared in the original work or are connected to them in some way. A prequel, however, goes back in time, often introducing younger versions of the characters, or entirely new characters who have had a significant impact on the events of the original story.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
The creation of a sequel implies that the original work has left room for continuation, either through unresolved plot points or through the potential for further exploration of the world it has created. A prequel implies that there are untold stories, background events, or histories in the original work that are significant and worth exploring, which can provide more depth and substance to the existing narrative. Both sequels and prequels can enhance the audience's understanding and enjoyment of the original work, allowing them to experience the story from different times and perspectives.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Sequel vs. Prequel Comparison Chart
Time Frame
Follows the original work in chronological order
Set before the original work in chronological order
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Purpose
To continue or expand upon the original story
To provide background and context to the original story
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Character Perspective
Usually involves existing or new characters in future scenarios
Often involves younger versions or new impactful characters
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Narrative Structure
Builds upon established plot
Explores untold stories and histories from before the original
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Development
Resolves unfinished business or expands the universe
Provides more depth and substance to the existing narrative
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
Sequel vs. Prequel Definitions
◉Sequel
A published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one.
The author is working on a sequel to her bestselling novel.
Jonathan
Sep 22, 2023
◉Prequel
A work of literature, film, or television program set in a time before that of a preexisting work.
The film studio decided to create a prequel to explore the protagonist’s backstory.
Elijah
Sep 22, 2023
◉Sequel
A literary or film work that continues a previously told story.
The Empire Strikes Back is the sequel to Star Wars: A New Hope.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
◉Prequel
A literary or film work that explains the background of a character or event of a previously released work.
Viewers watched the prequel to understand the context behind the dramatic events of the original film.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Sequel
A consequence, result, or subsequent development.
The financial crisis was the sequel to years of irresponsible lending.
William
Sep 22, 2023
◉Prequel
A story containing events that precede those of an existing work.
The Hobbit is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Sequel
A work of fiction or movie that is complete in itself but continues the narrative of a preceding work.
Fans eagerly awaited the release of the sequel, hoping for answers to the cliffhanger.
William
Sep 22, 2023
◉Prequel
A narrative or movie created after a successful work but set before the events of the original work.
The prequel revealed the origins of the mysterious character from the original movie.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Sequel
Something that follows as a continuation, especially a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work whose narrative continues that of a preexisting work.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prequel
An installment in a series of works that explores events occurring before the original.
The author's new book serves as a prequel, shedding light on the world before the main series.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
◉Sequel
A result or consequence
"Our dreams are the sequel of our waking knowledge" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prequel
A literary, dramatic, or cinematic work whose narrative takes place before that of a preexisting work in the same series.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sequel
(dated) The events, collectively, which follow a previously mentioned event; the aftermath.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prequel
(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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sequel
(narratology) A narrative that is written after another narrative set in the same universe, especially a narrative that is chronologically set after its predecessors, or (perhaps improper usage) any narrative that has a preceding narrative of its own.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sequel
(mathematics) The remainder of the text; what follows. Used exclusively in the set phrase "in the sequel".
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sequel
That which follows; a succeeding part; continuation; as, the sequel of a man's advantures or history.
O, let me say no more!Gather the sequel by that went before.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sequel
Consequence; event; effect; result; as, let the sun cease, fail, or swerve, and the sequel would be ruin.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sequel
Any phenomenon that follows something similar.
The program was the unexpected sequel to the groundbreaking initiative.
William
Sep 22, 2023
Sequel vs. Prequel Frequently Asked Questions
Is a prequel created to give more depth to characters from the original work?
Yes, a prequel provides more depth to characters and gives insights into their backgrounds and motivations.
Elijah
Sep 22, 2023
Is a sequel always set after the events of the original work?
Yes, a sequel usually takes place after the events of the original work and continues the story.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
What is a sequel?
A sequel is a work that continues the story or expands upon the theme of a previously completed one.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can a sequel enhance the audience’s understanding of the original work?
Yes, a sequel can enhance understanding and enjoyment by continuing the story from different times and perspectives.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Does a sequel resolve unfinished business from the original work?
Yes, a sequel often resolves unfinished business or expands the universe of the original work.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
How does a prequel differ from a sequel?
A prequel is a work set before the events of an existing work, providing background and context to the original story.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Can a prequel provide more substance to the existing narrative of the original work?
Yes, a prequel can provide more substance and depth to the existing narrative by exploring events that occurred before it.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
Can a prequel introduce new characters who impact the original story?
Yes, a prequel can introduce new characters who have had a significant impact on the events of the original story.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Does a prequel explore untold stories and background events from the original work?
Yes, a prequel explores untold stories, background events, and histories significant to the original work.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Does the creation of a sequel imply the original work left room for continuation?
Yes, the creation of a sequel implies that there is room for continuation in the original work.
Kaitlyn
Sep 22, 2023
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
