What is an epilogue and do you need to write one?

Have you ever wondered what happened to your beloved hero after the last page? You may wonder all you want, but there is only one way to look within: the epilogue. It is the last curtain call of your story—the last breath. It is the emotional closure your readers crave.

However, an epilogue is not necessarily a simple extension or tag. It is the last snapshot that lingers. Writing one will be a personal undertaking; it is one decision that is solely yours. Don't worry; it doesn't have to be an unsettling task either. Here are some things to consider when you are on the fence about what to do after an ending:

Table of Content

1. Does the tangled remain tangled?

2. Could a jump in time add the much-needed emotional weight?

3. Does the arc conclude satisfactorily?

4. Non-repetitive remix

5. Is the sequel on the horizon?

6. Key takeaway

7. FAQs

Does the tangled remain tangled?

Not every thread can be neatly tied up at the end. This is often what forms the mark your work makes. However, if your story remains tangled in unresolved plot threads, or if your hero's future is still hanging around, you may owe your reader an epilogue.

Picture it, an emotionally invested reader with an accelerated heart rate pacing their room, and agonizing over an old, familiar pain over their hero's unfortunate fate—wanting just the right ending, and, no, not knowing you added an epilogue—something to help them finally exhale.

And you, free with your literary liberties, take the story in a slightly devilish direction. Now they are left to wonder. For eternity. But we are not that cruel, right?

Consider the epilogue as just a type of aftercare for your invested readers, after giving them the emotional roller-coaster of everything they feel. Just don't make it too much. Answer only what needs to be answered for satisfactory closure, while allowing the other mysteries to fester. After whatever all that just was, this isn’t the place for a full-blown credit roll.

Could a jump in time add the much-needed emotional weight?

You have read a story, and good for you, you had a sweet ride. Now, what could be better than that? Maybe a quick look at what happens next. If you ask us, we will just scream just thinking about it.

Let’s say your favorite couple, the ones you really wanted to be together, finally did. I hear a little giggle. Control the emotions for a moment. What do they do after? Do they break up? (do not go there) That little bit of peek can keep you bursting with excitement for a week. And when it's exactly like that, epilogues are your best friends. But not so fast. Before you get all inky about your epilogue, remember: Don’t write an epilogue just to have one—write it only if it adds something real.

Does the arc conclude satisfactorily?

Do you ever remember the incomprehensible, sigh-inducing longing after you read the last words of a book you just finished? You’re sitting there emotionally wrecked in the best way possible and staring at the ceiling as you breathe a strange sigh of contentment. That, my friend, is the sweet spot. And if your story already contains that emotional core, an epilogue won't help. In fact, it may diminish the very nature of an intensely powerful ending.

Think about your favorite song. Your favorite artist didn't add an extra chord because they could, but only where it created an extra sense of haunting beauty. Embrace the closure and stillness that hangs in the air. And always remember — if it's not adding to the whole, it's taking away.

Non-Repetitive Remix

Your ending knocked the wind out of your reader's chest so powerfully that they might be up until three in the morning reconsidering their life choices. You did it, you genius writer, you’ve served and your readers have consumed. Now don’t ruin your own magic. Don’t go back to explain anything. Let that little mystery remain a mystery. A little unfinished business is often what makes your work linger. Let your art breathe, and your echo resound throughout the literary world. 

Just remember, you’re not back in school. This isn’t your straight-A paper. You don’t need a conclusion paragraph summarizing the obvious.

Is the sequel on the horizon?

Writers have always fascinated us. You can never know it’s them. Is this goodbye forever, or do I wait for the “what comes next?” You can never know. And maybe that’s why they come back—long after they’ve gone.

As a writer yourself, we are sure you’ve played this little game too. The quiet happiness of leaving them wondering, whispering what-ifs, while you already know exactly what’s rolling out next. 

But remember, if you can see the sequel shimmering somewhere off in your foresight, epilogues can be your secret weapon—something that lingers like a kiss from a tattoo artist, and will haunt the reader with the “what-ifs.” It's like leaving the back door open, but not letting them in. Just enough mystery to keep them on the edge of their seat—hoping, yearning. Maybe it will give them the push they need to survive their soul-draining work weeks for a few more months.

Epilogues are not a rule in writing. If your story already ends with a bang, just leave it. Don't try to suck the life out of something that already has a heartbeat. But if you know in your heart of hearts your character has one more moment in them, or you owe your readers a little compassion, throw your Shakespeare shoes back on. Let your epilogue say goodbye.

You are the artist. No one knows better than you. Just make sure you’re standing by your art.

Are you still trying to decide if your narrative should have an epilogue (or end in silence)?

At Rolling Authors, we assist creative writers in making craft decisions; we emphasize creativity vs. following a formula/established method. If you're feeling torn between using "one last moment" and/or ‘ending on a breath,’ our professional editors are able to help you decide if an epilogue/prologue/silence could harm your resolution.

Key takeaway

An epilogue is not something you "must" do; instead, it is a creative decision rather than a ‘rule.’

If your goal is to extract more emotion, storytelling or theme from your project, then you should create an epilogue to support that purpose.

An epilogue does have certain characteristics that make it ‘strong’— best examples include: providing closure, shifting time periods, and creating wonder or other continued interest in the journey your characters have traveled.

If the emotional finality impacts or exceeds the last sentence, the addition of an epilogue may cause a weakening of that emotion.

Repetition is discouraged as your epilogue will expand upon the events within your narrative rather than repeat them.

If written effectively, your epilogue may provide some basis for future sequels without delivering a promise of follow-ups.

Characteristics of a strong epilogue include: considered, simple, and profoundly human.

FAQs

1. What is an epilogue? 

An epilogue is designed to provide closure, reflection (or retrospective), and a bit of time travel. 

2. Do all books need an epilogue? 

No; quite often, a powerful piece of literature completes its narrative without needing either an epilogue or a prologue. Therefore, putting an epilogue in place is only required when it has a defined purpose and/or adds allowable meaning.

3. Is it possible for an epilogue to undermine a great last chapter?

Of course! An epilogue can lessen the strength of your last chapter by rehashing what we already learned; by reiterating the emotional impact of your story; or by making your readers feel your epilogue was unnecessary.

4. Do you need to close every single loose end in your epilogue?

No. The epilogue’s purpose is to leave your reader feeling satisfied with what they experienced, while allowing other questions to remain unanswered.

5. Can epilogues work in series or sequels?

Definitely! Epilogues can give your readers a sense of anticipation for what’s to come; establish conflicts that will carry over into the next story; and connect readers emotionally to the next instalment without making promises.

6. What’s the ideal length of an epilogue?

A short one with little substance—think moment, not chapter.

Do you want feedback about whether to keep or eliminate your epilogue?

Contact Rolling Authors on WhatsApp and find an editor who understands endings, restraint, and new readers’ psychology.

Sometimes the bravest decision isn’t adding more to explain it—it’s recognizing when to let silence do the talking for you.