Interquel is a term used in the entertainment industry to describe a story that takes place between two existing stories or films. The word is made up of two parts: inter meaning "between" and quel from the French word "sequel". The pronunciation of interquel is /ˈɪntəkwɛl/, with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable, "in," is pronounced with the short "i" sound as in "pin", while the second syllable is pronounced with the "kw" sound, as in "quick".
Interquel is a term coined to refer to a narrative work, such as a film, book, or television series, that is set between two existing installments of a franchise or series. It can be understood as a bridge that fills in the gaps between two established stories, providing additional context and expanding the overall narrative. An interquel may explore events, characters, or storylines that were mentioned or alluded to in the original works but not thoroughly developed.
Typically, interquels are used to address unanswered questions, to explore untold stories, or simply to maintain interest in a franchise by expanding its universe. They can provide insight into the previous or subsequent events of a series, shedding light on character development, relationships, or plot points that were left unexplored. Interquels often delve into the backstory of characters, adding depth and complexity to their arcs.
While interquels are most commonly associated with film franchises, they can also be found in other media formats such as literature, comics, and video games. In recent years, interquels have gained popularity as a way to satisfy audiences' desire for more content within established fictional worlds. Whether to extend a popular franchise, fill in narrative gaps, or provide fans with a deeper understanding of a series, interquels serve as a means to enrich the overall storytelling experience.
The word "interquel" is a blend of the two terms "inter" and "sequel".
The prefix "inter-" comes from the Latin word "inter", meaning "between" or "among". It is commonly used to indicate a relationship between two or more things, such as in words like "interact" (act between) or "intermediate" (occurring between two stages).
The term "sequel" comes from the Latin word "sequi", meaning "to follow". It is used to refer to a literary or cinematic work that continues the story of a previous work, often featuring the same characters or a similar narrative.
The blending of these two terms gives us "interquel", a word coined to describe a creative work that fits chronologically between two existing works in a series.