Postscript vs. Epilogue — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Postscript directly adds to the original text, often as a brief note, while an epilogue provides a conclusion or summary that follows the main narrative.
Difference Between Postscript and Epilogue
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A postscript, often abbreviated as P.S., is an additional remark or message added at the end of a letter, email, or other document, usually after the signature or main body of text. It serves to include an afterthought or additional information that was not included in the main content. Whereas, an epilogue appears at the end of a literary work and serves to bring closure to the narrative, often reflecting on the outcome of the story or extending the story to include details about the future of characters.
Postscripts are informal and can be used in various types of personal and professional correspondence. They provide a flexible way to add information without altering the original content. On the other hand, epilogues are a formal part of a book, play, or other literary work, specifically crafted to enhance the reader's understanding of the aftermath or consequences of the story.
In terms of structure, a postscript is typically short and succinct, sometimes only a sentence or two, and does not influence the main body of the document. Whereas, an epilogue is a more developed section that can span several pages and is integrally connected to the literary structure, offering insights or resolutions.
The use of a postscript is common in letters and casual communication as a way to include last-minute additions. Conversely, epilogues are found primarily in narrative forms such as novels and films, where they contribute to the depth and completeness of the storytelling.
While a postscript is often added spontaneously and can appear somewhat disjointed from the original message, an epilogue is usually well-planned and seamlessly integrates into the overall narrative arc, providing a smooth transition from the climax of the story to its final resolution.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A brief additional note at the end of a text.
A concluding section of a literary work.
Purpose
To add information or an afterthought.
To offer closure and reflect on the story.
Placement
After the main content, often informal.
At the end of a literary work, formally integrated.
Content Length
Typically short, a few sentences.
Can be several paragraphs or pages long.
Common Usage
Letters, emails, and documents.
Novels, movies, and plays.
Compare with Definitions
Postscript
Can be used to emphasize or reiterate a point.
P.S. Don’t forget to lock the back door!
Epilogue
Concludes the narrative arc.
The epilogue provided closure by showing the characters' lives after the main events.
Postscript
An additional statement or piece of information.
He signed off his email, and then added a P.S. noting the change in meeting time.
Epilogue
Adds depth to the narrative.
The epilogue helped readers understand the future implications of the story's conclusion.
Postscript
A tactic for including last-minute thoughts.
In his book dedication, he included a P.S. to acknowledge a friend's recent achievement.
Epilogue
A section at the end of a literary work.
The novel’s epilogue revealed the protagonist’s fate years later.
Postscript
Informal appendage to a primary text.
She concluded her thank-you note with a P.S. expressing her gratitude once more.
Epilogue
Reflects on the story’s outcome.
In the epilogue, the author described the long-term impacts of the characters' decisions.
Postscript
A brief message added to the end of a letter or document.
I forgot to tell you in the main letter, P.S. Happy Birthday!
Epilogue
Often used in creative writing.
His screenplay included an epilogue that left the door open for a sequel.
Postscript
A postscript (P.S.) is an afterthought, thought that is occurring after the letter has been written and signed. The term comes from the Latin post scriptum, an expression meaning "written after" (which may be interpreted in the sense of "that which comes after the writing").A postscript may be a sentence, a paragraph, or occasionally many paragraphs added, often hastily and incidentally, after the signature of a letter or (sometimes) the main body of an essay or book.
Epilogue
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.
Postscript
A message appended at the end of a letter after the writer's signature.
Epilogue
A short poem or speech spoken directly to the audience following the conclusion of a play.
Postscript
Additional information appended to the manuscript, as of a book or article.
Epilogue
The performer who delivers such a short poem or speech.
Postscript
(countable) An addendum to a letter, added after the author's signature.
Epilogue
A short addition or concluding section at the end of a literary work, often dealing with the future of its characters. Also called afterword.
Postscript
(countable) An addition to a story, play, etc. after its completion.
Epilogue
An event which reflects meaningfully on a recently ended conflict or struggle.
Postscript
To extend (a letter or another document) with additional remarks.
Epilogue
A short speech, spoken directly at the audience at the end of a play
Postscript
A paragraph added to a letter after it is concluded and signed by the writer; an addition made to a book or composition after the main body of the work has been finished, containing something omitted, or something new occurring to the writer.
Epilogue
The performer who gives this speech
Postscript
A note appended to a letter after the signature
Epilogue
A brief oration or script at the end of a literary piece; an afterword
Postscript
Textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end
Epilogue
(computing) A component of a computer program that prepares the computer to return from a routine.
Epilogue
(transitive) To conclude with an epilogue.
Epilogue
A speech or short poem addressed to the spectators and recited by one of the actors, after the conclusion of the play.
A good play no epilogue, yet . . . good plays prove the better by the help of good epilogues.
Epilogue
The closing part of a discourse, in which the principal matters are recapitulated; a conclusion.
Epilogue
A short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play
Epilogue
A short passage added at the end of a literary work;
The epilogue told what eventually happened to the main characters
Common Curiosities
What is a postscript in a letter?
A postscript is an additional remark or note placed at the end of a letter, after the signature.
Can an epilogue be found in non-fiction works?
Yes, epilogues can be used in non-fiction to conclude or reflect on the events discussed in the book.
Is it mandatory to have an epilogue in a story?
No, it’s an optional narrative device depending on the author's preference.
What is the main purpose of a postscript?
To add last-minute information or thoughts that didn't make it into the main text.
Are epilogues common in all genres of literature?
They are more common in fiction, particularly in genres like fantasy and drama.
Is a postscript only used in written documents?
Primarily, yes, though the concept can metaphorically extend to other forms of communication.
What is the typical tone of a postscript?
It can be informal and personal, depending on the context of the main text.
How long is an epilogue typically?
The length can vary but usually spans enough to provide a satisfactory closure to the narrative.
How do readers typically perceive postscripts?
As a casual, often intriguing addition to the primary message.
How does an epilogue affect the structure of a novel?
It serves as a definitive end, sometimes changing the pacing and providing a deeper resolution.
Why do authors use epilogues?
To offer further insight into the future of the characters or the final implications of the story.
Can a postscript contain important information?
Yes, sometimes crucial information is added in a postscript.
What differentiates an epilogue from a conclusion?
An epilogue is an extension beyond the main narrative, providing additional closure, while a conclusion wraps up the story within its main body.
Can a postscript be humorous?
Absolutely, it’s often used to add a light-hearted comment or anecdote after the formal closure.
Can emails have postscripts?
Yes, emails often include postscripts to mention something briefly omitted from the main text.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
