Final answer:
The prologue serves multiple purposes in a literary work, including introducing main characters, setting the scene or background, providing context or historical information, and establishing the central conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prologue serves multiple purposes in a literary work:
- Introducing main characters: The prologue can provide information about the key characters in the story and give readers a glimpse into their roles and relationships.
- Sets the scene or background: It establishes the setting of the story, including the time, place, and overall atmosphere.
- Provides context or historical information: The prologue may provide background details or historical context that can help readers better understand the events and themes of the story.
- Establishes the central conflict: It may hint at or directly present the main conflict or problem that the characters will face throughout the story.