A prequel is a type of story that takes place before the events of an existing narrative. It explores the background and origins of characters, settings, or events that are already known from the original work. Prequels can be found in various forms of media, including movies, books, and video games. These stories often provide deeper insights into the motivations and histories of characters, enriching the overall understanding of the original narrative. Popular examples of prequels include the Star Wars film series, which features the prequel trilogy, and The Hobbit, which serves as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings.