An Epilogue comes after the last chapter. It is a fragment of the story that shows what the lives of the characters is like after a period of time. An epilogue shows a particular jump either in time or through a different point of view.
Note that an epilogue is not the final chapter. It is just something that puts the reader’s mind at ease, knowing that the characters are having their happily-ever-after or if they found an end to their suffering.
Why Do We Need an Epilogue?
- For closure: When specific details are left out in the plot, adding them in the epilogue puts things back in order. The reader gives a final nod, understanding how things wrap up in the end.
- For a happily-ever-after: We all want our characters to finally be happy don’t we? After all of what they’ve been through, we want to give them a pat on the back and tell them that everything will be all right. We like to see them happy at some points in their lives.
- For introducing a sequel: What could be better than to add an open ending to the plot to engage the reader’s curiosity? They’d run to buy the next book in the sequel, I’m sure of it.
Do We need an Epilogue?
There is no right and wrong and no black and white in this answer. If you think the epilogue adds something significant to the story by all means, add it. If not, then don’t, you’re the author, and you own this.