A prologue should read exactly as if you were writing a short story without a true ending—your prologue should leave the reader questioning and curious. Note: Any questions you create in the prologue must be resolved by the end of your story.

Do readers read the prologue?

The prologue is a legitimate story-telling device, but many readers admit that when they see the word “Prologue,” they skip at once to the page that begins with the words “Chapter One.” Sometimes a prologue is the ideal way to present information essential to the reader's understanding of the story.

Are you supposed to read the epilogue?

Just like some people don't read prologues, some don't read epilogues, as they would rather imagine what comes next for themselves. Ultimately, there is no hard-and-fast rule on whether or not to use an epilogue (though if you're writing a series, general consensus is don't).