Have you ever opened a book and wondered whether you’re reading a prologue, a preface, or something entirely different? You’re certainly not alone. Many readers – and even some writers – get confused about the difference between a prologue and a preface. They may appear familiar, but these two book parts serve very distinct purposes. A prologue is a piece of the story that comes before Chapter One, often used in fiction to set the scene or offer a backstory. On the other hand, a preface is the author’s personal note, normally found in non-fiction, that explains why the book was written or how it came to be. Today at What We Writing, we’re breaking down what a prologue and a preface do, where they appear, and when to use them, guaranteeing that you’ll never mix them up again.
What Is a Prologue?
A prologue is a section at the very beginning of a book, before Chapter One, that gives readers important context or background information. It is most commonly used in fiction and is considered a part of the story itself.
The purpose of a prologue is to set the stage for what’s to come. It may introduce a key event that took place in the past, show the perspective of a secondary character, or tease a future moment of tension. It provides a glimpse into the world of the story before the main plot begins.
Prologue Examples in Books:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins uses a subtle setup to hint at Katniss’ world and what’s at stake before the Games get underway.
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare famously begins with a poetic prologue that summarises the tragedy that is about to unfold.
- Games of Thrones by George R.R. Martin begins with a chilling prologue that sets the tone and introduces the supernatural threat.
If you’re wondering what a prologue is in a book, think of it as a narrative tool that enriches the reader’s understanding and builds anticipation for the story to come.
Check Out Our Guide To Writing Effective First Chapters
What Is A Preface?
A preface is a short introductory section of a book that comes before the main content and is written by the author. Unlike a prologue, a preface is not a part of the story; instead, it offers readers context about how or why the book was written. It’s most commonly found in nonfiction books, memoirs, and academic works, though it can sometimes turn up in fiction works too.
The purpose of a preface is to share the author’s motivations, research process, personal background, or the story behind the book’s creation. It can also be a place to acknowledge help or explain what the reader can expect to learn.
Preface Examples in Books:
- In Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari uses a preface to outline how the book came to be and his aim in writing it.
- Educated by Tara Westover includes a preface that reflects on memory and truth in a memoir.
- Many classic novels, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, include a preface that situates the work in its historical or personal context.
If you’re wondering, “Do all books need a preface?” – the answer is no. But when used well, a preface can deepen a reader’s connection to the material and enhance their understanding of the author’s intent.
Prologue vs Preface: Key Differences
So, what’s the real difference between a prologue and a preface? While both appear at the beginning of a book, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts. Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to clear up the confusion:
| Feature | Prologue | Preface |
| Purpose | Sets up the story -often with background or foreshadowing | Explained the author’s intention or the book’s origin |
| Where it appears | Before Chapter One, part of the story | Before the main text, but not part of the narrative |
| Who writes it | Usually, a character or narrator from the story | The author themselves, speaking directly to the reader |
| Fiction or Nonfiction | Primarily used in fiction | Common in nonfiction, memoirs, and academic texts |
| Part of the story? | Yes – it’s considered narrative content | No – it’s considered outside the story |
In short, the difference between a prologue and a preface comes down to the functions: a prologue immerses the reader in the world of the story, whereas a preface gives insight into the author’s processes or purpose.
Understanding the key differences between these two book parts will help you read – and write – with greater clarity.
Related Terms: Foreword, Introduction, Author’s Note
While exploring the difference between a prologue and a preface, you may also come across other book parts such as a foreword, introduction, or author’s note. These sections serve different roles and can add valuable context to a book. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Foreword
A foreword is written by someone other than the author, often a notable expert or figure within the same field. It typically offers praise, credibility, or personal reflections on the book and its author. You’ll often find forewords in nonfiction books, especially when the author is lesser known or writing in an academic or professional context.
Tip: Think of the foreword as a trusted third-party endorsement.
Introduction
An introduction is written by the author and dives into the content of the book itself. Unlike a preface, which may focus on the backstory of writing a book, an introduction prepares the reader for what’s ahead – summarising main ideas, outlining structure, or framing the subject. It’s common in nonfiction and academic books.
Author’s Note
An author’s note is often found at the end or beginning of a book and has a more personal tone. It might explain historical research, clarify fictional liberties, or provide emotional or cultural context. It’s used in both fiction and nonfiction and sometimes overlaps with a preface or acknowledgements.
Wrap Up
At a glance, a prologue and a preface might seem similar – they both come before the main text – however, they serve very different purposes. The key difference is this: a prologue is part of the story, setting up the plot or world, while a preface is a message from the author, offering insights into the creation or purpose of the book.
Whether you’re writing your own book or just trying to understand the parts of one, being intentional about including a prologue or preface can enhance the reader’s experience and establish the right tone from the get-go.
Have you come across a great prologue or a memorable preface in a book? Drop it in the comments – we’d love to hear your examples!
