prologue

1 a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event unfortunately, the burglary, which he committed while still a teen, was but a prologue to a wasted life of crime Synonyms curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prelude (also prolog), warm-upRelated Words countdown, run-up [chiefly British]; lead-in; kickoff, start

2 a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part a brief prologue sets the scene for the story that follows Synonyms exordium, foreword, intro, preamble, preface, prelude, proem, introduction (also prolog), prolusionRelated Words beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset, startNear Antonyms envoi (or envoy), postscript; aftermath; cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, terminationAntonyms epilogue (also epilog)