A sequel is a story that takes place after the events of a previous story, often featuring the same characters. A prequel is a story that takes place before the events of a previous story, often providing background information on the characters or events of the original story.

Origin of the words

The word “sequel” comes from the Latin word “sequi,” meaning “to follow.” The word “prequel” is a blend of the prefix “pre-” meaning “before” and the word “sequel,” as it refers to a story that comes before a previously established story. The term “prequel” is a relatively new word that was first used in the 1950s.

Definitions of sequel and prequel

Sequel:

A sequel is a continuation of a previously established story, typically told in a new work such as a book, movie, or video game. It can feature the same characters, settings, and themes as the original work, but is not necessarily a direct continuation of the story. In a sequel, the events of the previous work have usually had some impact on the story and characters of the new work, and the audience is often expected to have some familiarity with the original story.

For example, the Harry Potter book series has seven sequels, each one continuing the story of the previous book and featuring the same characters. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy has two sequels, each one picking up the story where the previous film left off.

Prequel:

A prequel is a story that takes place before the events of a previously established work, often exploring the backstory of the original story or characters. Like a sequel, a prequel can be told in a variety of media, such as books, movies, or video games. The purpose of a prequel is often to provide additional context or information about the original work, but it can also stand on its own as a story.

For example, the Star Wars prequel trilogy tells the story of events leading up to the original Star Wars film, providing additional context for the original story and exploring the backstory of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Similarly, the Hobbit book and movie series is a prequel to the Lord of the Rings, exploring the events that happened before the original story began.

Examples of sequels and prequels

Sure, here are some examples of sequels and prequels:

Sequels:

  • The Godfather Part II (sequel to The Godfather)
  • Toy Story 2 (sequel to Toy Story)
  • The Dark Knight (sequel to Batman Begins)
  • The Empire Strikes Back (sequel to Star Wars: A New Hope)
  • The Two Towers (sequel to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)

Prequels:

  • The Hobbit (prequel to The Lord of the Rings)
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (prequel to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope)
  • X-Men: First Class (prequel to the X-Men film series)
  • The Phantom Menace (prequel to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope)
  • Monsters University (prequel to Monsters, Inc.)

These are just a few examples, but there are many sequels and prequels in various media, including movies, books, TV shows, and video games.

Differences between sequels and prequels

(Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash )

picture of movie posters

When it comes to sequels and prequels, there are a few key differences that distinguish the two. For starters, a sequel picks up where the first installment left off, whereas a prequel is set before the events of the first film. Additionally, sequels often feature the same characters and settings as the original work, while prequels typically introduce new characters and locations.

Another difference between sequels and prequels is in their structure. Sequels are usually direct continuation of the story, with little deviation from the established plot. Prequels, on the other hand, often fill in gaps in the story or explore side stories that are only alluded to in the original work.

It’s worth noting that not all sequels are created equal. Some are simply cash-grabs that offer little in terms of innovation or creativity. Others are genuine attempts to continue the story in a way that is both faithful to the original work and interesting for audiences. The same can be said of prequels – some are great films in their own right, while others feel like unnecessary additions to an already complete story.

Other differences

Timing: The most obvious difference between sequels and prequels is when the events of the story take place. A sequel takes place after the events of a previous story, while a prequel takes place before the events of a previous story.

Familiarity with the original story: A sequel assumes that the audience is familiar with the events of the previous story, while a prequel does not. In a sequel, characters, settings, and themes from the previous story are often referenced and may play a significant role in the new story. In a prequel, the focus is often on providing new information and context for the original story.

Character development: In a sequel, characters from the previous story have already been established and developed, so the focus is often on how they react to new situations. In a prequel, characters are often still developing and changing, and the audience may learn new information about them that was not present in the original story.

Impact on the original story: A sequel may have a significant impact on the events of the previous story, while a prequel is usually intended to provide additional context and information about the original story without necessarily changing its outcome.

Expectations: Audiences may have different expectations for sequels and prequels. For example, a sequel may be expected to be bigger and more exciting than the original, while a prequel may be expected to be more character-driven and focused on backstory.

Sequels and prequels can be similar in some ways, but the main difference is the time period in which the story takes place and the audience’s familiarity with the original story. Both can provide valuable insights and entertainment for fans of a particular series or franchise.

Can a sequel be a prequel?

(Image by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay )

picture of movie tickets

A sequel is a story that picks up where the last one left off. A prequel is a story that goes back in time to show how things happened before the events of the first story. Sometimes, a sequel can be a prequel, if it fills in events that took place before the first story.

What is spin off vs sequel vs prequel?

Spin-off, sequel, and prequel are all types of storytelling that are related to a previously established work. Here’s an overview of each type and how they differ:

Spin-off:

A spin-off is a type of story that takes a character or element from an existing work and builds a new story around it. Spin-offs can feature new characters, settings, and themes, but are connected to the original work in some way. Spin-offs are often created to capitalize on the popularity of a particular character or concept.
For example, the TV series “Frasier” is a spin-off of the popular series “Cheers”, featuring the character Frasier Crane in his own show. “Better Call Saul” is a spin-off of “Breaking Bad” and follows the character of Saul Goodman before the events of the original show.

Sequel:

A sequel is a continuation of a previously established story, often featuring the same characters, settings, and themes as the original work. In a sequel, the events of the previous work have usually had some impact on the story and characters of the new work, and the audience is often expected to have some familiarity with the original story.
For example, “The Godfather Part II” is a sequel to “The Godfather” and continues the story of the Corleone family. “The Dark Knight” is a sequel to “Batman Begins” and features the same characters and settings as the first film.

Prequel:

A prequel is a story that takes place before the events of a previously established work, often exploring the backstory of the original story or characters. Like a sequel, a prequel can be told in a variety of media, such as books, movies, or video games.
For example, “The Hobbit” is a prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” and explores the events that happened before the original story began. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is a prequel to “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” and tells the story of events leading up to the original film.

A spin-off is a new story built around a character or concept from an existing work, a sequel continues the story from the original work, and a prequel explores the events that happened before the original story began. All three types of storytelling can provide new insights and entertainment for fans of a particular series or franchise.

Featured Image By – Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

What is the difference between a villain and an anti-hero?

Table of Contents Hide The definition of a villainThe definition of an…

What is the difference between screenplay and script?

Table of Contents Hide What is a screenplay?What is a script?Screenplay Vs.…

What is the difference between cinematography and videography?

Table of Contents Hide What is Cinematography?What is Videography?The Difference Between Cinematography…