7 questions to help you write a satisfying ending
Endings are tricky beasts. They might come full circle, with a character returning to a location or theme (but with the character having changed in important ways), or even end up in a very different place (potentially providing openings for a new story). You don't have to answer every question, or explain every outcome as you wrap up your novel — in fact, it can often be better to leave some things open to interpretation. But: you do need to satisfy your reader.
So, how do you know if your ending hits right?
There are 7 questions you can ask yourself:
- Have you stopped in the right place?
- Are you providing enough closure?
- Is it the right kind of closure?
- Have you over-explained the supernatural or fantasy elements?
- Are you letting the supernatural or fantasy elements carry the ending too much?
- Does the ending support the beginning, and vice versa?
- Have your characters worked hard enough for this ending?
Let's unpack them →
7 questions to help you write a satisfying ending
1. Have you stopped in the right place?
Are you cutting the story off before all main plot points are addressed, or are you dragging it out with unnecessary details? Strike a balance where the story feels complete, but not overly extended. It's also worth reflecting on whether the ending feels rushed (this could indicate a pacing issue).
2. Are you providing enough closure?
Have you wrapped up every subplot and resolved every question, or have you left too many things open-ended? Aim for a satisfying amount of closure that aligns with the overall narrative. You don't have to answer every question in the mind of the reader, only enough that they feel like the story has paid off properly.
3. Is it the right kind of closure?
A lot of this is going to depend on your genre, and the expectations your readers have when reading that genre. Consider whether you've resolved the main conflict and provided an ending that satisfies your readers:
- Happy Ending: The story ends on a positive note, with characters achieving their goals, overcoming challenges, and finding contentment. This type of closure provides a satisfying resolution to readers who prefer neat, joyful endings.
- Tragic Ending: The story concludes with a somber or devastating outcome. Characters may face irreversible losses or the conflict might end in an unexpected, disheartening way. This type of closure can evoke strong emotional responses and provide depth to the narrative.
- Ambiguous Ending: The story leaves key elements open to interpretation, inviting readers to draw their own conclusions. This type of closure can spark further reflection and discussion, but risks frustrating readers if too many questions remain unanswered.
- Circular Ending: The story ends in a way that mirrors its beginning, completing a full circle. This type of closure provides symmetry, reinforcing the narrative's themes and character arcs, giving a sense of completion.
- Cliffhanger: The story ends abruptly, with unresolved conflicts or unanswered questions. This type of closure is often used to set up sequels or to build anticipation for further installments.
- Open-ended: Similar to ambiguous closure, this type of ending leaves the story's conclusion open to interpretation, though it may provide more of a conclusion than a cliffhanger. It gives readers room to imagine what might happen next, keeping them engaged beyond the final page.
- Conclusive Ending: The story ties up its main plot and subplots, providing clear answers to key questions. This type of closure is designed to satisfy readers by wrapping up loose ends, offering a conclusive ending.
4. Have you over-explained the supernatural or fantasy elements?
Is the ending bogged down with explanations for the world's magic or fantasy features? Allow your story to stand on its own, without overexplaining the fantastical elements.
5. Are you letting the supernatural or fantasy elements carry the ending too much?
Are the world's magical or fantasy elements carrying the entire plot? Ensure that the story's ending is driven by character growth and narrative, not just fantasy. Be cautious of letting the fantasy/supernatural elements of your story become a Deus ex Machina.
6. Does the ending support the beginning, and vice versa?
Is there a cohesive link between the start and end of your story? Ensure that your ending supports the story's beginning, and that the beginning supports the ending (this might sound like the same thing, but it's not). Your goal is not necessarily to go full-circle (though it may be), but to provide a sense of inevitable completion.
7. Have your characters worked hard enough for this ending?
Are the challenges your characters face believable and rewarding? Make sure the ending reflects realistic struggles, allowing characters to earn their victory or learn from their losses. In order for the ending to feel satisfying, it must feel hard won.
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