prologue
nounUK /ˈprəʊlɒɡ/
US /ˈproʊlɔːɡ/
A prologue is the short part at the beginning of a book or play that comes before the main story.
The prologue introduced the old king before the story of his daughter began.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. An introductory act or event that leads to something more important.
The small protest was a prologue to a much larger movement.
3. The actor who speaks the opening lines of a play.
In the old drama, the prologue stepped forward to address the audience.
4. A short speech or poem recited before a performance.
She wrote a prologue to welcome everyone to the school concert.