Wrapping up a story can be one of the trickiest parts of writing. The ending needs to tie up loose ends and leave a lasting impression on your readers. To limit your time wracking your brain for ways to end your WIP properly, take time to understand what kind of endings already exist, and look for factors that might resonate with your story.
Whether you’re working on a novel, a short story, or a screenplay, knowing the different types of endings can help you find the perfect way to close your narrative. Here are some effective ways to end your story, along with tips and examples to help you nail it.
Cyclical endings
A cyclical ending brings the story full circle, linking the conclusion to the beginning. This type of ending creates a sense of symmetry and completion by reinforcing themes and motifs introduced earlier. For example, in “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, the ending mirrors the opening scene, highlighting the cyclical nature of the protagonists’ struggles.
To craft a cyclical ending:
- Revisit the opening scene, imagery, or dialogue.
- Identify recurring themes or motifs and bring them to the forefront in the conclusion.
- Make sure the repetition feels intentional and meaningful rather than coincidental.
Twist endings
Twist endings catch readers off guard with an unexpected revelation or outcome. They work best when hints are scattered throughout the story. That way, even if the reader doesn’t pick them up as they go along, they can look back and connect the dots. This makes the ending feel earned, even inevitable. Think about the classic twist in “The Sixth Sense,” where the protagonist’s true nature is revealed, recontextualizing the entire narrative.
To really pull off a twist ending:
- Plant subtle hints or foreshadowing.
- Ensure the twist aligns with the story’s internal logic.
- Review earlier sections to confirm the setup is convincing.
Bittersweet endings
Bittersweet endings mix elements of triumph and loss, offering a realistic and emotionally rich resolution. They resonate deeply because they reflect life’s complexities. In “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, the love story ends with both heartache and gratitude.
Here’s how to write one:
- Highlight both the gains and losses experienced by the characters.
- Aim for emotional balance, avoiding extremes.
- Use introspective moments or dialogue to convey the complexity.
Open-endings
Open endings leave some parts of the story unresolved, inviting readers to ponder what happens next. They’re effective in literary fiction or stories that explore philosophical themes. For example, if you haven’t already read it, you could check out Frank R. Stockton’s “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton. The ending of this short story leaves the protagonist’s fate up to the reader.
Here’s how to create one:
- Create a thought-provoking question or problem.
- Have any unresolved elements contribute to the story’s theme.
- To avoid frustrating your readers, try to balance ambiguity with some amount of closure.
Happily ever after
The classic happily-ever-after ending wraps up conflicts in a neat manner by giving the reader both closure and satisfaction. It is most popular in romance and fantasy genres because it gives readers a sense of escapism and reassurance. Like how J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series ends with an epilogue, which offers a glimpse into the characters’ future.
Here’s how to write one:
- Resolve all major conflicts and provide a clear resolution.
- Consider adding an epilogue or future glimpse to reinforce closure.
- Align the tone of the ending with genre expectations.
Tragic endings
Tragic endings emphasize loss or failure, underscoring the story’s themes or moral lessons. They can be cathartic and leave a strong emotional impact. In “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, the tragic conclusion highlights the destructive power of feuds. Here’s how to make it impactful:
- Build up the emotional stakes.
- Create a sense of inevitability.
- Use poignant imagery or dialogue to increase the impact.
Redemptive endings
These focus on a character’s growth or transformation by showing them resolving their past mistakes or achieving some form of enlightenment. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is one of the most iconic examples of this. In it, the reader explores Ebenezer Scrooge’s past wrongdoings before a heartwarming conclusion with his redemption.
If you’re considering writing one, try to:
- Show the character’s journey of self-discovery.
- Tie the redemption to earlier conflicts or flaws.
- Use symbolism or actions to reflect the character’s new understanding.
Cliffhangers
Cliffhanger endings leave the story on an unresolved, suspenseful note, often setting up a sequel or inviting readers to imagine what happens next. “The Empire Strikes Back” is a classic example, leaving audiences eager for more.
Here’s what you do to make one:
- Create a compelling unresolved question or conflict.
- Introduce a new twist or revelation.
- Balance the cliffhanger with some sense of progression.
Poetic endings
Poetic endings use lyrical language or imagery to leave a lasting emotional impression. They often focus on mood or theme over plot resolution. For example, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald uses rich imagery to encapsulate the story’s themes.
Here’s how to craft one:
- Focus on tone and atmosphere with vivid language.
- Tie the imagery or metaphor to central themes.
- Avoid over-explaining; let the poetry speak for itself.
Tips for Satisfying Endings
No matter which type of ending you choose, here are some universal principles to keep in mind:
- Stay True to Your Story: The ending should feel like a natural extension of the narrative and character arcs.
- Resolve Key Conflicts: The central conflict driving the story should reach a resolution.
- Evoke Emotion: A great ending leaves readers feeling something—joy, sadness, surprise, or contemplation.
- Reflect the Theme: The ending should emphasize the story’s theme or message.
- Consider Pacing: Don’t rush the ending. Give readers time to process and absorb the resolution.
The best endings linger in the minds of readers long after they’ve finished the story. By experimenting with different approaches and focusing on emotional payoff, you can create a conclusion that makes your story unforgettable.