Sequel

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A sequel is a work of literature or film that is written after a completed work, and is set in the same "universe" but at a later time. It usually continues elements of the first story, often with the same characters, although this is not always the case - for example, if the main character dies at the end of the first work, a new character (e.g. their son or daughter) may take up their role in the sequel. A sequel is somewhat different than a series in which there is a long series of stories involving the same character, although some sequels have enough episodes to begin to resemble a series.

Warning: Plot details follow.

An example of a sequel is the novel Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling. Since it is the second book in the series, and follows Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, it is that novel's sequel. Another example is Molly Moon Stops the World by Georgia Byng, which follows Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism.

Successful movies also have sequels, particularly horror, action and science fiction movies, as well as various comedies. The frequency of sequels of successful movies comes about in large part because it is seen as much less risky to reproduce a known success than to gamble with a new and untested story.

Often sequels are criticized as artistically inferior, and accused of simply repeating the story of the original film. However, sometimes a sequel gives an oppurtunity to address weaknesses in the original. For instance, the film was panned as overlong, boring and short on character play. In reaction, Paramount Pictures hired Harve Bennett to produce a sequel that addresses the criticisms; he produced , which is considered one of the best films of the series. Other examples of sequels which are widely considered as good or better than the original include The Godfather Part II.

There are some common plot issues regarding sequels. Often when the original movie involves a character resolving a conflict, it is difficult to arrange the plot so that the characters face a similar problem.

A related word, prequel, is used to describe something that portrays events which precede those of a completed work, i.e., the opposite of a sequel. Star Wars is the best-known film that has multiple prequels. A prequel can often avoid the plot problems associated with having to deal with the consequences of the original. An example of this involves the Planet of the Apes, where in one movie, the entire earth was destroyed. The succeeding movies were therefore prequels. Prequels often have the problem of maintaining dramatic interest when the outcome is known, and often gather interest by attempting to show aspects of familiar characters that were not seen in the original.

The story that comes between two previously published works is called an interquel. This latter variation is less used than the other two.