Everything you need to know about writing the finale of your novel
Act 3, or the finale of your novel, is a crucial part of your narrative. This section signifies the climax or dénouement of your story, comprising approximately 25% of your total word count. The finale takes your characters from their lowest point and leads them towards resolution, ending with contentment, victory, or bittersweet achievement.
The dark night of the soul
At the start of Act 3, your characters are at their lowest point. They have faced insurmountable challenges, their hopes are crushed, and it seems that the antagonist has won. This is the dark night of the soul, a phase where the protagonist's pain and struggle are profoundly amplified.
At this point, the antagonist's true strength is revealed, coming as a complete surprise to the protagonist and adding to their despair. This revelation should connect with the protagonist's internal conflict or a flawed perspective, making it a wake-up call.
The antagonist's victory should be complete, both physical and mental, leaving the protagonist with no glimmer of hope. However, from this rock bottom, your protagonist begins to rally and prepare for the final battle.
The climax: A storm is coming
The climax of your novel begins when the protagonist gathers their allies for the final battle. This is when the stakes are at their highest, and the consequences of failure become glaringly apparent.
As your protagonist strategises to overcome the antagonist's newfound strength, it's important to show what they have learned and how they have grown throughout the story. How are they going to use these insights to overcome their foe?
As your protagonist re-engages the antagonist, ensure this confrontation is the most challenging yet. It's the "big boss battle" that your readers have been waiting for, and it needs to be epic.
During this confrontation, introduce a twist where the antagonist turns the tables on the protagonist, putting them on the back foot. Your protagonist must dig deep, realising they have to make a sacrifice to overcome this challenge.
The grand sacrifice and resolution
As the protagonist puts it all on the line, making their grand sacrifice, tension and excitement should reach their peak. Regardless of whether their sacrifice is enough to overcome the antagonist, it's essential to clearly depict the antagonist's fate.
With the antagonist's fate resolved, you need to bring your protagonist's external goal full circle. This means wrapping up any sub-plots, tying loose ends, and resolving all your character arcs. Show how your protagonist has changed and if they've met their internal goal.
The final image: A glimpse into the protagonist's life
Finally, to conclude your novel, provide a glimpse into your protagonist's life after their journey. Show what their daily life looks like now, how they have grown, and the changes they have undergone. This final image solidifies the culmination of their character arc and provides closure to your reader.
In conclusion, writing the finale of your novel requires careful attention to character development, plot progression, and thematic resolution. By adhering to these steps, you can craft a compelling and satisfying ending to your narrative.
💡 Read more about the universal flow of a story from set-up to finale.
