different between prequel vs backstory

English

Etymology

Patterned after sequel using pre- (“before”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?p?i?kw?l/

Noun

prequel (plural prequels)

1. (narratology) In a series of works, an installment that is set chronologically before its predecessor, especially the original narrative or (perhaps improper usage) any narrative work with at least one sequel.
   • 1980, Patrick Robertson, Movie Facts and Feats: A Guinness Record Book, New York: Sterling Publishing, p. 43:

     'Prequels' are sequels that relate the story that preceded the original film.

   • 2008, 26 February, Andrew Pierce, "JRR Tolkien's estate to sue Lord of the Rings filmmakers New Line Cinema over profits, in The Daily Telegraph

     They are also threatening to block the production of the long-awaited prequel, The Hobbit, which may now be cancelled.

Usage notes

Most often used, not as a direct antonym of sequel, to refer to earlier works in a series, but to refer to works that are chronologically before but are created and released after; an archetypal example is the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Antonyms

• sequel

Coordinate terms

• midquel

Related terms

• midquel
• sequel

Translations

See also

• interquel
• threequel

Polish

Etymology

From English prequel.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?pr?i.kw?l/

Noun

prequel m inan

1. (narratology) prequel

Declension

Further reading

• prequel in Wielki s?ownik j?zyka polskiego, Instytut J?zyka Polskiego PAN
• prequel in Polish dictionaries at PWN

English

Alternative forms

• back-story, back story

Etymology

back +? story

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?bæk?st???i/

Noun

backstory (plural backstories)

1. The previous life and experiences of a person, especially a character in a dramatic work, but also a real-life person.

   Coordinate term: exposition
2. A fictitious account of a person's history designed to conceal their actual history and motives.

   Synonym: cover story

3. A prequel.

Translations

Further reading

• backstory on Wikipedia.Wikipedia