I’m one of those readers who enjoys an epilogue. I like it if a story ends satisfactorily, but I always like to find out what came “after.” Do the two 
protagonists become engaged? Once they’re married are they happy? Do they have children? It seems that children or the announcement of a pregnancy are routinely in the epilogue of historical romances, and I like that little bit extra. It’s like biting into a chocolate—really good in itself—and finding a caramel filling that you didn’t expect. A step beyond satisfying and into the realm of happy.
Writer’s Digest gives six reasons why an epilogue is used effectively:
- Tying up loose ends when the story itself ends abruptly.
- To highlight the lessons told in the story and letting the reader know that justice has been done.
- Detailing information not covered in the story, as in if a character is sick or circumstances are left unfinished.
- Explaining a future for the characters.
- Using a secondary character to explain circumstances and thus make the story more realistic.
- Outlining futures for a large cast of characters.
I think all epilogues are used to answer the emotional questions a reader might have, though. And since I like romance, an emotional finish to a tale
is what I long to read. I have used them myself, and even enjoy reading them then. 😉
So, hooray for epilogues! Long may they live!
Dee
Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!