Epilogue vs. Monologue — What's the Difference?

A concluding part added to a literary work.

A long speech by one character in a play or film.

A section that provides closure for the storyline.

A dramatic device used to reveal thoughts or emotions.

A speech or scene that follows the main plot of a play.

Can involve speaking to other characters or the audience.

Offers final comments or summary on the story's events.

A speech that reflects a character's perspective.

Sometimes sets up a sequel by hinting at future developments.

Often used to build dramatic tension.

An epilogue or epilog (from Greek ἐπίλογος epílogos, "conclusion" from ἐπί epi, "in addition" and λόγος logos, "word") is a piece of writing at the end of a work of literature, usually used to bring closure to the work. It is presented from the perspective of within the story.

In theatre, a monologue (from Greek: μονόλογος, from μόνος mónos, "alone, solitary" and λόγος lógos, "speech") is a speech presented by a single character, most often to express their thoughts aloud, though sometimes also to directly address another character or the audience. Monologues are common across the range of dramatic media (plays, films, etc.), as well as in non-dramatic media such as poetry.

A short poem or speech spoken directly to the audience following the conclusion of a play.

A long speech by one actor in a play or film, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast programme

The performer who delivers such a short poem or speech.

A lengthy, uninterrupted speech by a single character, as in a play or novel.

A short addition or concluding section at the end of a literary work, often dealing with the future of its characters. Also called afterword.

A literary composition in monologue form.

An event which reflects meaningfully on a recently ended conflict or struggle.

A continuous series of jokes or comic stories delivered by one comedian.

A short speech, spoken directly at the audience at the end of a play

A long speech made by one person, often monopolizing a conversation.

The performer who gives this speech

To give or perform a monologue.

A brief oration or script at the end of a literary piece; an afterword

To address a monologue to.

(computing) A component of a computer program that prepares the computer to return from a routine.

A long speech by one person in a play; sometimes a soliloquy; other times spoken to other characters.

(transitive) To conclude with an epilogue.

(comedy) A long series of comic stories and jokes as an entertainment.

A speech or short poem addressed to the spectators and recited by one of the actors, after the conclusion of the play.

A long, uninterrupted utterance that monopolizes a conversation.

The closing part of a discourse, in which the principal matters are recapitulated; a conclusion.

To deliver a monologue.

A short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play

A speech uttered by a person alone; soliloquy; also, talk or discourse in company, in the strain of a soliloquy; as, an account in monologue.

A short passage added at the end of a literary work;

A dramatic composition for a single performer.

Speech you make to yourself

A long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)

A (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor

Yes, monologues can involve directly addressing the audience.

An epilogue comes at the end, while a prologue is an introductory section.

Yes, an epilogue can suggest possible future storylines.

Yes, narrators can deliver monologues, often in films and plays.

Not always; some monologues focus on character development.

Not exactly; a conclusion wraps up the main narrative, while an epilogue provides additional closure.

An epilogue is a concluding section of a story that provides closure or additional information.

A monologue serves to reveal a character's thoughts, develop their arc, or advance the plot.

Yes, plays can have epilogues delivered by a character or the narrator.

An epilogue is placed at the end of the book.

Not necessarily; while typically longer, a monologue can vary in length.

No, it's optional and depends on the story’s needs.

No, a monologue involves a single character speaking without direct interaction.

A soliloquy is a type of monologue where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically alone.

Not all, but many include monologues for dramatic effect.