When it comes to storytelling, there are many different terms that can be used to describe the different types of narratives that can be told. Two such terms that are often used are midquel and interquel. But what do these terms really mean? Which one is the proper word to use? Let’s take a closer look.
It’s important to note that both midquel and interquel are words that have been created by fans of various media, such as movies, TV shows, and books. Neither of these terms are recognized by any official dictionary, but they are still commonly used in certain circles.
So, what do these terms mean? A midquel is a story that takes place between two previously established stories in a series. For example, if a movie franchise had released two films, a midquel would be a story that takes place between those two films. On the other hand, an interquel is a story that takes place during the same time period as a previously established story in a series, but does not feature the same characters or events.
Now that we have a better understanding of what midquel and interquel mean, let’s dive deeper into their significance in storytelling.
Define Midquel
A midquel is a narrative work that takes place between two previously established works in a series, filling in gaps in the timeline of the story. It is a combination of the words “middle” and “sequel”.
Midquels are often used to expand upon the backstory of existing characters or to introduce new characters that will play a significant role in the later works of the series. They can also be used to explore themes or events that were only briefly mentioned in the original works.
Examples of midquels include “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, which takes place between “The Silmarillion” and “The Lord of the Rings”, and “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”, which takes place between “The Phantom Menace” and “Revenge of the Sith”.
Define Interquel
An interquel is a narrative work that takes place between two previously established works in a series, but does not necessarily fill in gaps in the timeline of the story. It is a combination of the words “intermediate” and “sequel”.
Interquels are often used to explore different perspectives or themes within the established universe of a series. They can also be used to introduce new characters or to provide more depth to existing characters.
Examples of interquels include “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, which takes place between “Revenge of the Sith” and “A New Hope”, but focuses on a different set of characters and events than the main saga, and “The Dark Knight”, which takes place between “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight Rises”, but explores different themes and conflicts than the other films in the series.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to discussing the relationship between two stories, the terms midquel and interquel often come up. Both are valid words, but they have different meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence. Here’s how to use midquel and interquel correctly:
How To Use Midquel In A Sentence
A midquel is a story that takes place in the middle of two existing stories, filling in gaps or providing additional context. When using midquel in a sentence, it’s important to make it clear which two stories are being referred to and where the midquel fits in the timeline. For example:
- “The recently released Star Wars novel is a midquel that takes place between Episode IV and Episode V.”
- “The new video game serves as a midquel, bridging the gap between the first and second installments.”
Notice how both examples specify which stories the midquel is between and where it falls in the timeline. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the reader understands the intended meaning.
How To Use Interquel In A Sentence
An interquel is a story that takes place between two existing stories, but is not a direct continuation of either one. Instead, it explores events that occur during the gap between the two stories. When using interquel in a sentence, it’s important to make it clear which two stories are being referred to and how the interquel fits into the overall narrative. For example:
- “The new comic series is an interquel that explores the events between the first and second movies.”
- “The TV show’s latest season serves as an interquel, delving into the backstory of a previously minor character.”
Again, notice how both examples specify which stories the interquel is between and what its purpose is. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the reader understands the intended meaning.
More Examples Of Midquel & Interquel Used In Sentences
As we’ve discussed earlier, midquels and interquels are relatively new terms in the world of storytelling. However, they are gaining popularity, and it’s essential to understand how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples of using midquel and interquel in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Midquel In A Sentence
- The second movie in the series was a midquel that explored the backstory of the protagonist.
- The video game serves as a midquel, taking place between the first and second installments of the series.
- The novel is a midquel, filling in the gaps between the events of the first and second books.
- The TV show’s midquel episode delves into the character’s past and how they became who they are today.
- The comic book series has a midquel storyline that takes place during the events of the first volume.
- The movie serves as a midquel, showing what the supporting character was doing while the main character was on their journey.
- The video game DLC is a midquel, taking place during the events of the main game but focusing on a different character.
- The short story serves as a midquel, exploring the life of a minor character from the first book.
- The animated series has a midquel episode that takes place before the events of the first episode.
- The novel’s midquel section shows what happened to the protagonist between the first and second parts of the story.
Examples Of Using Interquel In A Sentence
- The video game’s interquel storyline takes place between the first and second games in the series.
- The movie is an interquel, exploring what happened to the characters during a time jump between the first and second films.
- The TV show’s interquel episode takes place during a gap in the timeline between two major events.
- The comic book series has an interquel storyline that takes place during a time jump between two volumes.
- The novel’s interquel section explores a minor character’s journey during a time jump between two parts of the story.
- The video game’s DLC is an interquel, exploring what happened to the supporting character during a time jump in the main game.
- The short story is an interquel, exploring what happened to the protagonist during a time jump between two chapters of the first book.
- The animated series has an interquel episode that takes place during a time jump between two episodes.
- The movie’s interquel section explores what happened to the supporting characters during a time jump between the first and second acts.
- The TV show’s interquel season explores what happened to the characters during a time jump between two seasons.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to discussing the relationship between a prequel and a sequel, two terms that are often used interchangeably are midquel and interquel. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these terms:
Using Midquel And Interquel Interchangeably
The most common mistake people make is using midquel and interquel interchangeably. While both terms describe a story that takes place between two previously released works, they have distinct differences. A midquel is a story that takes place during the timeline of the original work, while an interquel takes place between two previously released works. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the story’s timeline.
For example, if a person refers to “The Hobbit” as a midquel to “The Lord of the Rings,” they would be incorrect. “The Hobbit” takes place before “The Lord of the Rings” and is, therefore, a prequel. In contrast, “The Silmarillion” could be considered an interquel to “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” because it takes place between the two works.
Assuming All Stories Need A Midquel Or Interquel
Another common mistake is assuming that all stories need a midquel or interquel. While these types of stories can add depth and context to a fictional universe, they are not always necessary. Sometimes, a story is best left to stand on its own, without any additional stories added.
Not Considering The Canon
When creating a midquel or interquel, it is important to consider the canon of the original work. Canon refers to the official story and characters created by the original author or creators. If a midquel or interquel contradicts the canon, it can lead to confusion and frustration among fans.
Offering Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to do your research and understand the differences between midquels and interquels. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Read the original works carefully to understand the timeline and context of the story.
- Research the author or creators’ intentions and the official canon of the story.
- Think carefully about whether a midquel or interquel is necessary and adds value to the original story.
- Be clear and specific when using these terms to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between midquel and interquel, context plays a crucial role. The decision between the two depends on the specific context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between midquel and interquel might change:
| Context | Choice between Midquel and Interquel |
|---|---|
| Film Industry | In the film industry, the choice between midquel and interquel depends on the narrative structure of the film. A midquel is used when the story takes place in between two previously released films, while an interquel is used when the story takes place during the same time period as a previously released film. |
| Literature | In literature, the choice between midquel and interquel depends on the author’s intent. A midquel is used when the author wants to fill in gaps between two previously released books, while an interquel is used when the author wants to explore a different perspective during the same time period as a previously released book. |
| Video Games | In video games, the choice between midquel and interquel depends on the game’s storyline. A midquel is used when the game takes place in between two previously released games, while an interquel is used when the game takes place during the same time period as a previously released game. |
Overall, the choice between midquel and interquel depends on the specific context in which they are used. It is important to consider the narrative structure, author’s intent, and storyline when making this decision.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using midquel and interquel are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few situations where the standard guidelines may not apply:
1. Non-linear Storytelling
In some cases, a story may not follow a linear timeline. When this happens, the distinction between a midquel and an interquel can become blurred. For example, if a film contains flashbacks or jumps forward in time, it may be difficult to determine whether a particular scene or segment is a midquel or an interquel.
2. Different Interpretations
Some storytellers may have different interpretations of what constitutes a midquel or an interquel. For example, a filmmaker may consider a story that takes place during the same time period as the original work to be a midquel, while another may view it as an interquel. In these cases, it’s important to understand the creator’s intent and context.
3. Hybrid Forms
There are some works that may contain elements of both midquels and interquels. For example, a novel or film may include scenes that take place both before and after the original story, making it difficult to classify the work as one or the other. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to simply refer to the work as a sequel, rather than trying to apply specific labels.
4. Standalone Works
While midquels and interquels are typically associated with existing works, it is possible for a story to stand on its own while still taking place within the same universe. In these cases, it may be difficult to determine whether the work is a midquel, an interquel, or simply a standalone story set within the same world.
| Original Work | Standalone Work |
|---|---|
| The Lord of the Rings | The Hobbit |
| Star Wars | Rogue One |
| Harry Potter | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them |
Overall, while the rules for midquels and interquels are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. By understanding these exceptions and the context of a particular work, you can better determine whether a story is a midquel, an interquel, or something else entirely.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between midquels and interquels, it’s time to put our knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences. Each exercise comes with an answer key or explanation to help you check your work and learn from any mistakes.
Exercise 1:
Identify whether the following sentences are examples of midquels or interquels:
- After the events of the first movie, the protagonist goes on a new adventure in the midquel.
- The interquel takes place between the second and third books in the series.
- In the midquel, we learn how the villain became evil.
- The interquel explores a side character’s backstory.
Answer Key:
- Midquel
- Interquel
- Midquel
- Interquel
Exercise 2:
Fill in the blanks with either “midquel” or “interquel” to complete the sentence:
- The _______ takes place during the time jump between seasons 2 and 3.
- The video game serves as a _______ between the first and second movies.
- In the _______ of the book series, the protagonist’s children take over as the main characters.
- The TV show’s _______ episodes were more popular than the regular episodes.
Answer Key:
- Interquel
- Interquel
- Midquel
- Interquel
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between midquels and interquels, it is clear that these terms have distinct meanings in the world of storytelling. Midquels are sequels that take place during the timeline of the original story, while interquels are stories that take place between two existing stories.
It is important for writers to understand these terms and use them correctly to avoid confusion among their readers. By using the appropriate terminology, writers can communicate their ideas more clearly and effectively.
Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of proper grammar and language use in writing. The use of uncommon terminology and varied sentence structures can enhance the originality and professionalism of a piece of writing.
In conclusion, writers should continue to learn and improve their skills in grammar and language use to become more effective communicators. By doing so, they can produce compelling and engaging stories that resonate with their readers.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.