How to End a Story

writing craft

How do I “stick the landing” and write a great ending to a story?

Start with the end - then you know where the story is going
Zoom Out to decide which type of ending the story needs. There are 6 types of story endings:
- RESOLVED - tie everything up neatly
- UNRESOLVED - leave the story open ended (maybe even with a cliffhanger)
- AMBIGUOUS - provide some closure but leave other aspects of the story open for interpretation
- UNEXPECTED (TWIST) - surprise the readers with a plot twist, a major reveal
- TIED (CYCLICAL) - the narrative loops back to a beginning point or motif
- EXPANDED (EPILOGUE) - provide readers with insight into the characters and their situations that goes beyond the story
Zoom In to the final words. We will review 10 techniques for writing the end of the story, getting those final words just right.
Find the right ending for YOUR story, one that is best suited for your idea or concept for the story, and also considers your characters' arcs, your story’s emotional arc, the genre, tone, and mood of your story, the narrative voice, and your own style and voice.

Before we start ...
do you want to write fiction faster,
while practicing your craft
and your writing process
to consistently get better?

Check out this link to
the FREE "Write Fiction Faster ... and better"
guide and workbook,
which comes with a FREE companion course
with 23 bite-sized video lessons and 4 worksheets.

Start With the End

Writing the ending of your story first can be incredibly beneficial to the overall outcome of your story. By starting with the end, you have a clear idea of where your story needs to go and what it should ultimately look like. This can help you stay focused while writing, as well as provide a sense of motivation to keep going.

When you know the end goal right away, it’s easier for you to make sure that every scene and plot point is designed to move towards that conclusion. That way, each scene seamlessly leads into the next one and there are no gaps or loose ends in your story arc. It also gives you an opportunity to foreshadow certain events and create deeper character arcs by seeding clues throughout the middle part of your story.

By writing the beginning after you’ve finished the ending, it helps ensure that all elements of the narrative connect together in a meaningful way — something that’s much harder to do when starting at the beginning and hoping to find a good resolution later on. When this happens, readers can tell when parts don’t quite fit together or seem out of place or rushed because they don’t have any real context until later in the story.

Having an ending already in place before writing any scenes allows you to inject higher semantic richness into your work since you’re able to plan ahead for how each detail will play into larger themes down the line. This makes for more compelling stories that keep readers hooked from start-to-finish because each little bit ties in with something more meaningful as opposed to standalone moments for their own sake.

Overall, knowing how your story will end helps immensely with constructing a captivating narrative that reader won’t soon forget.

Zoom Out: The 6 Types of Story Endings

Zoom Out to decide which type of ending the story needs. These are the 6 types of story endings.

RESOLVED

When you write a resolved ending, you are providing the readers with closure. This is when all of the conflicts and questions posed in the story have been answered, giving your readers a sense of satisfaction that the story has come to an end and that everything has been neatly tied up. A resolved ending should also provide insight into how your characters have grown or changed throughout their journey so that readers can reflect on how their experiences had an impact on them.

You want to make sure that this resolution feels earned, rather than forced or contrived. To do this, it is important to ensure that all the plot threads presented throughout the story tie together and contribute to this final outcome. Remember to avoid taking shortcuts, as these can leave readers frustrated if they feel like certain details or elements weren’t explored fully or adequately addressed.

Consider how you will use symbolism and imagery when writing your story’s conclusion. These visual cues can provide additional depth and emotional closure by allowing readers to interpret things based on their own personal experiences and emotions. For example, if one character gives another a gift at the end of their journey, it could signify a closure between them — something much more powerful than simply saying goodbye in words alone.

UNRESOLVED

An unresolved ending is when the story’s main conflict or questions remain unanswered. This type of ending allows readers to make their own interpretations of what happened and why, leaving them with more questions than answers. As a writer, you can choose to leave certain plot threads open-ended so that readers are encouraged to think about their own conclusions instead of being told exactly what happened.

It is also important to note that an unresolved ending doesn’t necessarily mean that nothing has been resolved in your story — it simply means that readers are being left with more questions than answers. You can still provide closure for certain elements but leave some things up for interpretation so that reader engagement remains high throughout the book’s conclusion.

Avoid using clichés like “the end…or is it?” It’s best to let the reader come away from your work feeling satisfied in some way without having everything tied up with a neat bow — this will make them more likely to remember your story long after they’ve finished reading it.

One special case of the unresolved ending is the “cliffhanger.” This is most appropriate if you’re writing a series of connected stories. In this case, you may provide closure for the present story, while opening loops and purposefully leaving loose ends for the future stories in the series.

AMBIGUOUS

You may want to consider an ambiguous ending when you want your story to leave readers feeling uncertain and intrigued. An ambiguous ending doesn’t necessarily mean that nothing has been resolved, but rather it leaves certain details up for interpretation. This type of ending allows readers to come away with their own conclusions, giving them an opportunity to engage more deeply with your work.

Symbolism and imagery can create a sense of mystery and uncertainty. This can be done through visual cues such as objects which represent something greater than themselves or by using metaphors or other figurative language which can add depth and meaning to your narrative without explicitly explaining everything. You should also make sure that all the plot threads that were presented throughout the story have been explored fully in order for your ending to feel earned rather than contrived.

An ambiguous ending should also create closure in some areas while still leaving room for readers to draw their own conclusions. For example, you could provide some insight into how characters have grown or changed during the course of their journey but not explicitly state what happened next — this gives readers just enough information so they can come away feeling satisfied without having every detail explained.

UNEXPECTED (TWIST)

You may also want to consider an unexpected ending when you are looking for a unique way to finish your story. This can include the use of a final plot twist or the revelation of an unreliable narrator, both of which can leave readers feeling uncertain and intrigued. With this type of ending, it is important to ensure that all the clues are in place so that the twist feels earned rather than contrived. Additionally, you should make sure that your chosen ending is consistent with the tone of your story and provides closure — whether resolved, unresolved, or ambiguous — so that readers don’t feel cheated out of having their questions answered.

When writing an unexpected ending, it is important to create a sense of suspense throughout your narrative so that readers are kept guessing until the very end. You can do this by providing subtle hints and foreshadowing while still maintaining enough ambiguity so as not to give away the ending too soon. You should also make sure that any reveals or surprises you introduce have been properly set up earlier in the story and aren’t just random occurrences that come out of nowhere.

TIED (CYCLICAL)

You may also want to consider a tied ending when writing your story. A tied ending, also known as a cyclical ending, is one in which the narrative loops back to a beginning point or motif, creating an overall sense of closure. This type of ending can be used to suggest that the characters’ journey was circular in nature and even if the main conflict has been resolved, the cycle of life remains.

When writing this type of ending, you should make sure that the themes and motifs from the beginning of your story are echoed at the end. This could include using similar settings or describing how characters have grown and changed since their initial journey began. Additionally, it is important for your resolution to feel earned rather than contrived as readers need to understand why this particular type of ending was chosen in order for it to be effective.

A tied ending allows you to create a sense of closure without necessarily providing all the answers — it is up to readers to decide how things ultimately turn out for your characters in the long run.

EXPANDED (EPILOGUE)

You may also want to consider an expanded ending when you are looking for a unique way to finish your story. This type of ending involves providing additional information after the main plot has been resolved in order to provide readers with more insight into the characters and their situations. An epilogue can be used to give readers closure, expand on themes introduced earlier in the story, or simply hints at what might come next.

When writing an expanded ending, you should ensure that it feels organic and doesn’t go against the tone or message of the rest of your narrative. Your epilogue should be concise yet meaningful, giving readers a sense of satisfaction while also leaving them wanting more.

Be mindful of how much information you are providing - too little can leave readers feeling unsatisfied while too much can take away from the mystery of what might come next. When done right, an expanded ending allows readers to come away feeling satisfied but still eager for more — allowing them to truly appreciate your work long after they’ve finished reading it.

Zoom In: Final Words - 10 Techniques for Writing the End of the Story

Whatever type of story ending you choose, you need to come up with the right final words for the story. Here are 10 techniques for writing the end of the story, and let's group them into 3 areas with the nifty mnemonic END:

EXCITING - Action, Epiphany, Abrupt
NEUTRAL - Sensory Detail, Repeated Word/Phrase, Memory
DEEP - Reflection, Question, Contrast, Mirror Image

EXCITING

The EXCITING ending is the one that ends with a big bang.

Action

Using action to end your story can be done in a variety of ways such as having the protagonist take decisive action that affects the outcome of the plot, or using fast-paced dialogue to create tension.

Using vivid imagery and language when writing an action-filled ending will help readers envision what is happening while providing them with a strong emotional reaction — this could be anything from shock, awe or excitement.

Epiphany

Using an epiphany to end your story can be a powerful way to bring the narrative journey to a close.

Epiphany is the realization of a truth that often leads to profound insights or changes in the perception of a character. An epiphany can create an exciting ending to a story by allowing your protagonist to gain a new understanding of their situation and come to terms with any unresolved issues. This helps bring closure to both the narrator and readers, while also creating an impactful moment of realization that will stay with them after they’ve finished reading.

Abrupt

Using an abrupt ending to your story can be a powerful way to bring the narrative journey to a close.

Use metaphors and similes or shock tactics such as slamming doors or explosions - whatever works best for your story - but make sure it resonates emotionally.

One example of a story with an abrupt ending is Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. In this play, the protagonist Nora leaves her home in the middle of her conversation with her husband, slamming the door on her way out. This shocking end resonates emotionally and leads the audience to ponder on their own lives and how they would have reacted in Nora’s situation.

NEUTRAL

NEUTRAL endings include one or more beats after the conclusion that lets the reader pause and reflect.

Sensory Detail

You can use sensory detail to bring your story to a close by allowing readers to feel like they are in the moment with your characters. As a writer, you should look for ways to evoke emotions, thoughts and feelings by providing vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. For example, you could describe a character’s heart racing or their skin tingling in anticipation of what might happen next.

Using sensory detail can help bring closure as it allows readers to experience the events as if they are living them with the characters. Hemingway used this technique in many of his stories. Here are two examples:

They were seated in the boat, Nick in the stern, his father rowing. The sun was coming up over the hills. A bass jumped, making a circle in the water. Nick trailed his hand in the water. It felt warm in the sharp chill of the morning.

In the early morning on the lake sitting in the stern of the boat with his father rowing, he felt quite sure that he would never die.

– final words of the short story "Indian Camp" by Ernest Hemingway

There was no answer and she could not hear him breathing.

Outside the tent the hyena made the same strange noise that had awakened her. But she did not hear him for the beating of her heart.

– final words of the short story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway

Repeated Word/Phrase

Repetition of a word or phrase can be used as a poetic technique that emphasizes particular themes and ideas from earlier in the story.

“His feet are light and nimble. He never sleeps. He says that he will never die. He dances in light and in shadow and he is a great favorite. He never sleeps, the judge. He is dancing, dancing. He says that he will never die.”

— final words of the novel “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy

Memory

You can use memories to bring your story to an emotionally resonant close. By looking back on moments that were central to the plotline, you can highlight any key emotions or moral lessons that may have been explored throughout your narrative journey.

When using memory in your conclusion, make sure to write with clarity yet detail so that readers can easily visualize what is being described. Use precise language and imagery in order to emphasize the depth of emotion felt by the protagonist as they look back upon particular moments in the narrative while also allowing readers to feel more connected with the characters involved in your story.

DEEP

In the DEEP ending, the reader is challenged to join the narrator in a reflection, answer a question, or see a deep connection between parts of the story or the story’s theme.

Reflection

Use reflection to bring your story to an emotionally resonant close by letting the reader access the narrator/protagonist’s inner thoughts and feelings.

Additionally, this can be used to reflect on past experiences that were central to the plotline or draw attention certain themes that were explored earlier in the narrative — this will help create a cohesive ending that feels satisfying.

Question

End your story with a thought-provoking question that ties together all of its elements while leaving room for interpretation.

Consider using questions to draw attention to moral choices or character traits. This will allow you to indirectly comment on these topics without explicitly stating them, which will help leave readers with an impression that resonates with them long after they have finished reading.

Contrasts

When writing the ending of your story with contrasts, you should consider how different elements are juxtaposed against each other. If a character has been presented as strong and confident throughout most of the story, then their inner doubts and insecurities can be used to provide the ending with a sense of contrast that will leave readers feeling satisfied. This technique is useful for creating a memorable climax that encapsulates all of the other narrative threads while still giving readers something to ponder over.

You can also use this technique to create an unexpected resolution or twist — by providing a surprise contrast it allows readers to come away with a deeper understanding of your characters’ motivations or moral standing that wasn’t previously apparent. Consider using contrast to compare different points in time or events, for example having an antagonist finally regret their actions or a protagonist realizing their mistakes and turning things around. This will help you tie together loose ends while creating an impactful final scene that leaves readers wanting more.

Consider using contrasts in terms of setting and atmosphere when writing the ending. For instance, if you have been presenting dark and sinister scenes throughout your story then end it on an uplifting note by introducing hope and light into the concluding moments — this will help draw attention to all the important themes explored throughout your narrative journey.

Mirror Image

You can use the mirror image technique to bring your story full circle and create a sense of closure. This involves using the final scene to reflect back on the beginning of your story, providing readers with an understanding of how far your characters have come and what they have learned along the way.

The final image should be vivid yet subtle, helping to tie together all the narrative threads throughout your story. As the writer, you must ensure that it is consistent with your tone and themes so far while also creating an impactful closing moment. Consider paying homage to a particular scene or character development from earlier in the story by intentionally connecting them through subtle elements in your narrative — this will help draw attention to how much has changed since then.

Your Story: How To Find the Right Ending

Finding the right ending for your story is an important step that requires you to consider various elements such as idea and concept, character arcs, emotional arcs, genre, tone, mood, the narrative voice, and your own style and voice. As a writer, it is up to you to craft a fitting conclusion that encapsulates the ideas and emotions explored throughout your narrative journey.

When creating the right ending for your story, consider any major themes or messages that have been explored — these will help shape the resolution of your story while also keeping readers engaged until the very last page.
Think about what kind of reaction you would like readers to have when they reach the final scene and use this as the basis for crafting a suitable finale.
If you are working with characters who have gone through an emotional arc then ensure that their respective journeys are resolved in a satisfying manner so that readers can connect with them more deeply and relate their experiences with their own life struggles. Think carefully about how each character’s emotions will be portrayed within this resolution — using detailed descriptions paired with heightened senses such as sound or smell can further enhance this connection between reader and protagonist.
Match your ending with the genre you’ve chosen — different genres often require different types of endings. For example, a cozy mystery should have a resolved ending.
Make sure the ending corresponds to the tone and mood the story — if it’s a comedy then there should be humor, but if it’s horror then there should be dread.

Finally, make sure your ending reflects the narrative voice and your personal style and writing voice.

With all these factors taken into account when crafting a suitable finale for your story, you can be sure that readers will be fully immersed in its conclusion while feeling satisfied by its resolution too.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when a story is finished?

As a writer, you’ll know when your story is finished when it feels like there’s a sense of completion and satisfaction. This could look like finishing the plot with resolution and a clear ending, tying up any loose ends in the narrative, or exploring all the characters’ development arcs. It will be different for each story, so it’s important to check in with yourself while writing to make sure that all elements have been addressed. The key is to move forward without forcing an ending just because you think you’ve reached an arbitrary word count—the story should come first! When you feel that everything has come together naturally, then you can be confident knowing your story is ready for its final destination.

2. What kind of ending should I go for?

As a writer, you should aim for an ending that is satisfying and resolves any remaining plot points. The ending should bring the story to a natural conclusion, rather than forcing it just because you think you’ve reached an arbitrary word count. Take time to explore all the characters’ development arcs and tie up any loose ends in the narrative.

3. Are there certain elements needed to make an effective ending?

You’ll know when your story is finished when it feels like there’s a sense of completion and satisfaction. You should aim for an ending that resolves any remaining plot points, brings the story to a natural conclusion, explores all the characters’ development arcs, and ties up any loose ends in the narrative.

4. How can I ensure my readers are satisfied with the outcome of my story?

You’ll know when your story is finished when it feels like there’s a sense of completion and satisfaction. By taking time to make sure all elements have been addressed and ensuring that everything has come together naturally, you can be confident knowing that your readers will be satisfied with the outcome of your story.

5. Should I add closure or open-endedness in my story’s conclusion?

As the writer, you should decide whether to give your story a sense of closure or open-endedness in its conclusion. Depending on the type of story you’re writing and the tone that’s been established throughout, there are various ways to approach an ending. If your story is based around solving a problem or finding out answers to questions, then it’s likely best to give it a definitive resolution at the end. However, if your narrative is one of mystery and intrigue or perhaps has themes centered on ambiguity, then you may choose an open-ending instead. Ultimately it’s up to you as the writer to decide what kind of ending best serves your story.

6. Do different types of stories require different endings?

Yes, different types of stories require different endings. For example, a story based around solving a problem or finding out answers to questions is best served with a definitive resolution at the end. Meanwhile, stories that have themes centered on ambiguity or mystery and intrigue may have more success with an open-ended ending where unanswered questions are left up to interpretation. You as the writer should consider what type of ending will best serve your story and decide whether it should have closure or open-endedness at its conclusion. Ultimately, it’s up to you as the writer to choose what kind of ending best fits your narrative in order for your readers to feel satisfied with the outcome of your story.

7. Is it okay to have multiple endings to a single story?

Yes, it is okay to have multiple endings to a single story as long as each ending serves its purpose. As the writer, you should consider what type of ending best fits your narrative in order for your readers to feel satisfied with the outcome of your story. You can create several different endings and see which one resonates best with readers, or you can give them options so that they may choose which way the story should end. However, be sure that all of these endings still have some sense of resolution and completion so that readers feel like the story has come full circle.

8. When writing an ending, how much time and space should be devoted to wrapping things up?

When writing an ending, you should take as much time and space as necessary to wrap things up. It’s important to provide a sense of resolution and completion so that your readers feel like the story has come full circle.

9. How important is the last line in a story’s resolution?

As the writer, you should be mindful of the importance of a story’s last line. This is often your final opportunity to make an impact on readers and leave them with a lasting impression. With the right words, you can help bring resolution by tying together various plot points, character arcs and any other loose ends in your narrative. The last line of your story should work to complete its entire journey and have readers feeling satisfied with its conclusion while still longing for more—a difficult but important balance to strike.

10. In what ways can writers use their characters' arcs as part of their stories' endgames?

As the writer, you can use your characters' arcs to help plan and shape the endgame of your story. Depending on what type of story it is, this could mean providing a happy ending for certain characters or a heartbreaking outcome for others. Using your characters as a tool in your storytelling will help create an emotional resonance that readers can relate to and make them feel connected with the narrative even after they finish reading it. Additionally, using a character’s arc as part of the resolution will give readers more insight into how each individual has changed throughout the course of their journey within the larger context of the story.

Resources

MY FAVORITE ALL-PURPOSE RESOURCE

The Writer's Treasure Chest - everything in one place, curated, organized, this is a great reference for all things writing craft, with tons of prompts, plot/character generators and other tools to inspire you to write a great story with a great ending.

As you write your story, here are some articles that will be helpful as you work on all the aspects of the writing craft and your writing process:

FREE COURSE, GUIDE AND WORKBOOK

Do you want to write fiction faster, while practicing your craft and your writing process to consistently get better? Check out this link to the "Write Fiction Faster ... and better" guide and workbook, which comes with a companion course with 23 bite-sized video lessons and 4 worksheets.

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