‘How to end a story’ is often seen as one of the easiest tasks by some writers. Their logic seems a bit silly to me because according to them, writing the ending of a story is just its resolution, so you can write it however you like. Unfortunately, story writing doesn’t quite work that way.
As a story writer, I can tell you that writing the ending of a story is crucial. Sometimes, writers take an enormous amount of time to complete their novels simply because they don’t want to end the legacy on a weak note. My friend recently finished one of her stories, and to give a strong ending for her short story, she practiced several techniques to gather and refine ideas. Ending a short story requires care to ensure it resonates with readers while staying true to the narrative’s essence.
Why the Ending Matters in Storytelling
When we first begin reading literature, we quickly recognize that stories typically have one of two endings: happy or sad, in a broader prospect. However, as we refine our literary tastes and delve into more complex literature works, it becomes clear that endings are far more nuanced than they initially seem.
The ending of a story is as pivotal and impacting as other parts of the story, such as the intense climax, the beginning of the story, or even its major plot and theme. One wrong move can ruin the entire empire of interest you just built in a reader’s heart.
What Is the End of a Story Called? Conclusion, Denouement, or Resolution
There are so many terms used to describe the end of a story, but not all of them mean the same. Some use the word ‘conclusion’ for the end of the story, others say it’s the ‘denouement,’ and some refer to it as the ‘resolution.’ So, what do we actually call the end of a story in formal literary terms?
Resolution:
The resolution refers to the point in the story where the central conflict is resolved. It’s when the main problem or tension that has driven the narrative is addressed, and the outcomes for the characters are revealed. This is often what most readers look forward to, as it answers the key questions and provides closure.
Example from a Story:
In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the resolution occurs when the deaths of the two lovers lead to the reconciliation of their feuding families. This resolves the central conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets.
In simpler terms, the resolution ties up the loose ends of the plot and reveals how the central issues are settled, whether happy or tragic.
Denouement:
The denouement is a word used to describe the final part of the story after the main conflict is resolved. It refers to the “unraveling” or “untangling” of the narrative, where any remaining questions or loose ends are clarified. The denouement may not always be lengthy, but it helps to establish what happens to the characters after the main events of the plot.
In formal literary terms, the end of a story is most often referred to as the “denouement”.
While “conclusion” and “resolution” are commonly used in everyday discussions, denouement is the precise literary term for the final part of the story where all conflicts are resolved, and loose ends are tied up. It comes from the French word meaning “to untie,” which reflects how the narrative threads are unraveled and clarified at the end.
However, it’s important to note that:
- Resolution refers specifically to the point in the narrative where the central conflict is resolved.
- Conclusion can be used more broadly to describe the final segment of the story, but it’s less specific in literary analysis.
Key Elements of a Strong Story Ending
As I mentioned earlier, a story’s ending must be impactful in specific ways. The concept of ending a story is not aimless; if it feels aimless, it should not serve as your story’s conclusion in any circumstance. There are numerous key elements your story’s ending should address, but here are some of the most important ones:
Resolving the Central Conflict
Resolving the central conflict till or at the end of a story refers to addressing the main problem or challenge that has driven the story forward. It is the culmination of the protagonist’s journey, where the central question or tension introduced earlier in the narrative is answered. Whether the resolution is triumphant, tragic, or open-ended, it provides a sense of closure by showing how the characters have changed or what consequences their actions have led to. Resolving the central conflict ensures the story feels complete and satisfying to the reader.
If you write the end of a story without addressing its major plot conflicts, your resolution is likely to confuse readers, leaving them unsatisfied and prompting them to question the unresolved issues in your story.
Stay True to the Story’s Theme and Tone.
Staying true to a story’s theme and tone means ensuring that the ending aligns with the central message and emotional atmosphere established throughout the narrative. If the ending deviates too far from the story’s established elements, it can feel inconsistent or jarring to the reader.
Example 1: A Consistent Ending
- Theme: The power of resilience in the face of adversity.
- Tone: Hopeful and uplifting.
- Ending: After facing numerous setbacks, the protagonist achieves his goal, but the focus remains on his growth and inner strength rather than external rewards. This stays true to the theme and tone by emphasizing personal resilience and leaving readers inspired.
A real novel example that fits this theme is “The King Solomon’s Mines” by H. Rider Haggard
- Theme: The pursuit of adventure and the value of loyalty and survival.
- Tone: Gripping and reflective.
- Ending: After braving countless dangers, including treacherous landscapes, violent conflicts, and a near-death experience in the mines, Allan Quatermain and his companions escape King Solomon’s Mines. They return not with immense wealth but with their lives and the satisfaction of having achieved their goal. The story’s resolution reinforces themes of camaraderie, bravery, and the unpredictable outcomes of grand adventures, leaving readers with a sense of closure that honors the perilous journey they have witnessed.
Creating Emotional Impact and Resonance
Books are full of emotional baggage. An impactful story ending leaves readers feeling something—whether it’s joy, sadness, hope, or even disappointment. This is achieved by tying the resolution to the emotional journey of the characters and the themes of the story, ensuring it stays with the reader long after they finish the book.
Example: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
At the end of the novel, Helen Graham, the protagonist, escapes her abusive marriage and eventually finds happiness with Gilbert Markham. The resolution is significant because it highlights themes of independence, morality, and resilience. Helen’s journey from suffering to reclaiming her life and agency resonates deeply with readers, offering both a sense of justice and emotional fulfillment.
Types of Story Endings With Novel Examples
Resolved Story Ending
A resolved ending neatly ties up all the loose ends and answers any remaining questions. It leaves nothing ambiguous, as the characters’ fates and the story’s outcome are clearly explained to the reader.
Example: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic example of a resolved ending. By the novel’s conclusion, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy overcome their misunderstandings and prejudices, finding happiness in their marriage. The secondary characters’ arcs are also resolved, such as Jane and Bingley’s union and Lydia’s scandalous elopement with Wickham. Austen provides a clear and fulfilling conclusion, leaving no major threads untied.
Unresolved Ending
An unresolved ending leaves the reader with more questions than answers, encouraging them to imagine what might happen next. While some resolution is provided, it intentionally leaves certain aspects open-ended, prompting reflection on the hero’s journey and the challenges yet to come.
Example: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince illustrates this perfectly. By the end, Harry discovers the key to defeating Voldemort, but the path ahead is fraught with danger and demands sacrifices beyond what anyone anticipated. This ending sets the stage for the final battle while leaving readers eager to see how the story unfolds.
Unexpected Ending or Twisted Ending
An unexpected ending occurs when the story takes a sudden twist that the readers didn’t anticipate, completely shifting their expectations and leaving them shocked. For authors, writing this type of ending can be exciting but extremely difficult as well because sometimes the unexpected things have been already done into the story climax, so it requires careful executions. If done poorly, it risks leaving readers frustrated or disappointed or even feeling strange about how the fridge happened.
A well-written unexpected ending should deliver a surprise while remaining logical within the story’s framework. It should feel surprising yet believable, providing a conclusion that is both satisfying and coherent.
Example: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl is a masterclass in delivering an unexpected ending. Throughout the novel, readers are led to believe that Nick Dunne is responsible for the disappearance (and possible murder) of his wife, Amy. However, the story takes a shocking twist when it’s revealed that Amy orchestrated her disappearance as part of an elaborate plan to frame Nick for her murder.
The ending is both unexpected and unsettling, as Amy manipulates events to force a reconciliation with Nick, leaving readers with a twisted yet believable conclusion. This ending fits seamlessly within the story’s dark and psychological tone, delivering a shock that lingers long after the book is closed.
Ambiguous Ending of A Story
An ambiguous ending of a story leaves the story open to interpretation, encouraging readers to wonder about the possibilities that lie ahead. Instead of definitively explaining what happens to the characters, it allows readers to speculate and form their own conclusions. While not entirely unresolved, it leaves certain elements deliberately open-ended.
Example: The Giver by Lois Lowry employs an ambiguous ending. The story follows Jonas, a teenager living in a seemingly utopian but emotionless society. As the newly appointed Receiver of Memories, Jonas discovers unsettling truths about his community. By the novel’s conclusion, Jonas escapes the community in search of freedom and meaning. Whether Jonas succeeds in finding a new life or succumbs to the harsh realities outside remains open to the reader’s interpretation, adding depth and intrigue to the story.
Example: Inception by Christopher Nolan
Though not a novel, Inception is an iconic example of an ambiguous ending in storytelling. The film follows Dom Cobb, a thief who enters people’s dreams to steal secrets, as he attempts to complete one last job to reunite with his children.
In the final scene, Cobb spins a small top—his totem—to determine if he’s still dreaming. The camera lingers on the spinning top but cuts to black before revealing whether it falls (indicating reality) or continues spinning (indicating a dream). This deliberate ambiguity leaves the audience questioning whether Cobb has truly returned to reality or remains trapped in a dream, encouraging endless debate and interpretation.
Tied Ending
A tied ending brings the story full circle, and A tied ending brings the story back to where it started. Often mirroring the beginning in a literal or metaphorical way. This cyclical structure provides a sense of closure and symmetry, emphasizing the themes and journey of the characters.
Example: Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus masterfully employs a tied ending. The story revolves around a magical duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, set against the backdrop of Le Cirque des Rêves, a mystical traveling circus. By the end, the narrative comes full circle as the circus endures, continuing as a beacon of magic and mystery, much as it was at the start. The ending ties the story’s threads together, ensuring continuity and leaving readers enchanted.
Another example of a tied ending can be found in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the story begins with Mary Lennox, a sour and spoiled child who is sent to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor. Throughout the novel, Mary learns about kindness, friendship, and the healing power of nature. The garden, which was once locked away, becomes a symbol of growth, Colin, and others around them. In the end, the garden is thriving, just as the characters are emotionally and physically rejuvenated. The story comes full circle with the garden, representing the positive changes in the characters’ lives, and the novel ends on a hopeful note of continued growth and possibility.
Epilogue
An epilogue ending typically provides a glimpse into the future of the characters after the main story concludes, often wrapping up loose ends or showing how the characters’ lives have evolved. Here’s an example:
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, the epilogue offers a glimpse into the lives of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their families nearly 20 years after the events of the final battle. They are seen at King’s Cross Station, sending their own children off to Hogwarts. This epilogue serves as a closure to the series, showing that the characters have found peace and stability. The final scene symbolizes the cycle of life continuing, offering a sense of resolution and happiness for the beloved characters.
This type of ending allows the reader to see how the characters’ journeys have impacted their futures, providing both closure and a sense of enduring hope.
Moral Resolution
The end of the story where sometimes a moral is revealed is often referred to as the “moral resolution” or simply the “moral of the story.”
This type of ending is common in fables, parables, and allegories, where the conclusion serves to teach a lesson or impart wisdom. The moral is typically a succinct statement or implied message that reflects the theme or central lesson of the narrative.
Examples:
- Aesop’s Fables:
In The Tortoise and the Hare, the story ends with the moral: “Slow and steady wins the race“. The entire narrative builds up to this simple, clear lesson. - The Boy Who Cried Wolf:
The story concludes with the moral: “Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth” . This is explicitly stated after the boy faces the consequences of his actions. - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
While not explicitly stated as a “moral,” the ending conveys deep lessons about empathy, justice, and human nature, particularly through Atticus Finch’s teachings to his children.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ending a Story
Rushing the Conclusion
Explanation: Don’t rush at the end of your story. Come on, you’ve been patient from the beginning—why ruin it by letting adrenaline take over now? You’ve built this narrative with care, so don’t cut it short just to finish. Rushing the conclusion often leaves the reader unsatisfied, and it undermines all the emotional build-up you’ve worked so hard for. A rushed ending feels abrupt, leaving key plot points unresolved or underexplored. It makes the resolution seem shallow or forced. So, take a deep breath and give your story the conclusion it deserves! One that ties everything together without cutting corners.
Example: The ending of The Lord of the Rings provides a powerful emotional payoff after all the characters’ struggles. Frodo and Sam’s journey culminates in the destruction of the One Ring. But the cost is high, with significant personal sacrifices made. The emotional weight of their journey, their growth, and the cost of their victory feel earned. This story end of Lord of the Rings is done perfectly in terms of story pace and story settling.
Ignoring Unresolved Subplots or Character Arcs
Explanation: Subplots and character arcs are integral to a story’s richness. Leaving them unresolved can result in dissatisfaction, as readers expect them to converge or reach a conclusion that feels earned. A strong conclusion should tie up loose ends and provide closure to these arcs or at least hint at their future direction. YES, you can write an unresolved story ending but the unresolved ending depends on the entire story type or base you choose not just a random day and random story ending picking.
Example: In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield’s journey is filled with emotional and psychological turmoil, yet by the end of the novel. Many of his unresolved issues—such as his deep depression, disconnection, and inability to confront his future—remain unaddressed. The ending is deliberately open-ended, but some readers including me felt that Holden’s arc, especially his relationship with himself and others, lacks the resolution needed for closure.
3. Overloading with Unnecessary Twists or Explanations
Explanation: Adding twists is a good thing but adding too many twists or excessive explanations in the final moments can be overwhelming. These may detract from the emotional impact of the ending, making it feel contrived or overly complicated. A good ending should bring clarity and resolution without overloading the reader with extraneous details.
Examples of Iconic Story Endings in the History of Literature
1. 1984 by George Orwell
The ending of this dystopian novel is haunting. Winston Smith, who once rebelled against the oppressive Party, succumbs to its power. The final words, “He loved Big Brother,” reveal his complete transformation, leaving readers shocked and unsettled.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The story concludes with Scout Finch reflecting on the lessons she has learned about justice, empathy, and humanity. Her father, Atticus, tucks her in, reminding readers of the novel’s central message about compassion and understanding others.
3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
This heartbreaking ending sees George making the devastating decision to shoot his friend, Lennie, sparing him from a worse fate. The emotional impact of this act leaves readers questioning morality, loyalty, and sacrifice.
4. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The ending reveals a twist in the fantastical survival story with animals might be a metaphor for a darker, more tragic tale. Readers are left to decide which version they believe, making the conclusion both ambiguous and thought-provoking.
5. Animal Farm by George Orwell
The story ends with the animals realizing that the pigs, who promised equality, have become indistinguishable from the humans they replaced. The chilling final line, “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again. However, already it was impossible to say which was which,” underscores the story’s critique of power and corruption.
Writing the end of a story holds as much importance as its beginning, as it creates the reader’s final impression. A well-crafted ending weaves together narrative threads, satisfies the characters’ emotional journey, and emphasizes the story’s central themes. Whether the conclusion resolves, leaves questions open, surprises, or loops back to the start, it should align with the story and connect with the audience.
An ending doesn’t just finish the book—it stays with the reader, influencing how they remember the story. By addressing key conflicts, and maintaining the story’s tone, you create a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impact and ensures your story endures.