You’ve just seen a new movie, and it was fantastic! As you sit watching the credits roll by, music filling the theater, what has left you feeling that the movie was so good? Chances are one of the things that satisfies you is the movie’s ending. When an ending disappoints us, it’s hard to give a movie our “two thumbs up.” The same goes for books we read. If the ending is a dud, the narrative can leave us feeling frustrated or wondering, “Why did I waste my time reading that?!” But when the ending makes sense, meets our expectations, and wraps the story up nicely, we are left feeling satisfied, maybe even energized or uplifted. A writer has many options for concluding a narrative. Here are some common types of endings: An epiphany—one of the characters makes a sudden realization about something. A happy ending—the conflict is resolved in a satisfying way and the characters are happy and looking forward to the future. A thoughtful ending—something serious or sad happens at the end of the story and the characters reflect on what this means for them going forward. Regardless of the type of ending you prefer, there are two main ways to reason effectively to make your conclusion satisfying for your audience: Make the conclusion follow logically from the rest of the plot, or the series of events that make up a story. Have the narrator or characters reflect on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
By following these two methods, you ensure that the ending is both believable and meaningful to the audience. It helps create a sense of closure and leaves the readers or viewers with a lasting impression.
To make the conclusion follow logically from the rest of the plot, you need to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the events in your story. Every significant action should have consequences that lead to the resolution. By doing so, the conclusion feels natural and earned, rather than forced or arbitrary.
Reflecting on the experiences, observations, or resolutions made throughout the narrative adds depth and introspection to the ending. It allows the audience to understand the characters' growth, motivations, and lessons learned. This reflection can be done through the narrator's voice or through the characters' dialogue or inner thoughts. By connecting the ending to the themes and messages explored in the story, you provide a sense of closure and make the conclusion more satisfying.
Ultimately, a satisfying ending is one that ties up loose ends, resolves conflicts, and provides a sense of catharsis for the audience. It should feel consistent with the tone and themes of the story, leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment and reflection. So, when crafting your narrative, remember the importance of a well-executed conclusion to leave a lasting impression and satisfy your audience.