How Do You End A Short Story [Informed Opinion]

1. Introduction

The ending of a story is often the most important part for readers. It’s the last thing that lingers in their minds and can leave a lasting impression. That’s why it’s essential for authors to craft a satisfying conclusion when writing a story.

The ending is a culmination of all the events that have happened throughout the story, and it should tie together the various plot threads and character arcs. But writing a good ending isn’t easy. It requires careful planning and lots of thought.

In this article, we’ll explore the process of writing an effective ending. We’ll look at the different steps involved, from brainstorming ideas to crafting the resolution to writing the final scene. We’ll also discuss the importance of editing and revising the ending to ensure it’s as powerful as possible.

By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of how to write a memorable ending for your story. So let’s get started!

2. Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is an essential part of writing a story, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect ending. It is the process of generating ideas and exploring different possibilities to come up with the best resolution. Brainstorming can help you come up with unique solutions, add depth to your story, and even create unexpected twists.

When brainstorming ideas for your story’s ending, it’s important to consider the characters and their motivations. What do they want? What are their goals? What are their fears? Answering these questions can help you come up with ideas for how the story can end.

It’s also important to consider the story’s theme and tone. What is the overall message of the story? What is the central conflict? What kind of resolution do you want to create? Keeping these things in mind can help you come up with ideas that are consistent with the story’s overall message.

In addition to considering the characters and the story’s theme, you should also think about the structure of the story. What kind of climax have you created? How can you use the climax to build to a resolution? Thinking about the structure of the story can help you come up with ideas for how to end it.

Finally, it’s important to be creative and think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to explore different possibilities and consider ideas that may seem strange or out of the ordinary. Brainstorming is a great way to come up with creative solutions to your story’s ending.

By taking the time to brainstorm ideas for your story’s ending, you can create a satisfying resolution that will leave readers feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Brainstorming can help you come up with unique solutions and create unexpected twists that will make your story stand out.

3. Choosing the Right Ending

Choosing the right ending for a story can be a daunting task. It is the culmination of all the work put into the story and can make or break the entire piece. It is important to consider all the elements of the story and determine which ending best fits the overall narrative.

When deciding which ending to use, it is important to consider the characters and their arcs. How have they grown and changed over the course of the story? How does the ending reflect the journey they have been on? It is also important to consider the themes of the story and how the ending ties into them. Does the ending reinforce the themes or take them in a new direction?

The tone of the story should also be taken into account. Is the story lighthearted or serious? Does the ending match the tone of the story or does it feel out of place? It is important to make sure the ending fits the tone of the story.

The ending should also be satisfying. Does it bring closure to the story or leave it open-ended? Does it leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction or confusion? It is important to make sure the ending is satisfying and leaves the reader feeling satisfied.

Finally, it is important to consider how the ending will be received by the reader. Will it be seen as a surprise or something that was expected? Will it leave the reader feeling satisfied or disappointed? It is important to make sure the ending will be well-received by the reader.

Choosing the right ending for a story is a difficult but important task. It is important to consider all the elements of the story and make sure the ending fits the tone, themes, and characters of the story. It is also important to make sure the ending is satisfying and will be well-received by the reader. With careful consideration and thought, the right ending can be chosen and the story can be given the perfect conclusion.

4. Crafting the Resolution

The resolution of a story is the moment when the protagonist has overcome all obstacles and achieved their goal. It’s the moment when all the pieces of the puzzle come together and the story reaches its climax. Crafting a satisfying resolution can be a challenge, but it’s an essential part of writing a successful story.

When crafting the resolution, it’s important to consider the protagonist’s journey throughout the story. What has the protagonist learned along the way? How have they grown? How have their relationships changed? What has been their biggest challenge? Answering these questions can help you create a resolution that feels meaningful and satisfying.

It’s also important to consider the tone of the story. Is it a lighthearted comedy or a serious drama? How should the resolution reflect the tone of the story? A lighthearted story might end with a humorous resolution, while a serious story might end with a bittersweet resolution.

Finally, consider the themes of the story. What themes have been explored throughout the story? How can the resolution reflect these themes? For example, if the story is about overcoming adversity, the resolution might involve the protagonist overcoming a major obstacle. If the story is about the power of friendship, the resolution might involve the protagonist and their friends working together to achieve a common goal.

By considering the protagonist’s journey, the tone of the story, and the themes explored throughout the story, you can craft a resolution that is satisfying and reflective of the story as a whole. A well-crafted resolution can make a story memorable and leave readers feeling satisfied.

5. Writing the Final Scene

The final scene of a story is often the most important part, as it is the last impression the reader will have of the story. It is the moment when the main characters’ journey comes to a close, and when the audience learns the resolution of the plot. Writing a final scene can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and attention to detail, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

When writing a final scene, it is important to consider the tone and mood of the story. The scene should reflect the overall themes and messages of the story, so it is important to think about what the reader should take away from the story. It is also important to think about the characters’ arcs and how they have changed throughout the story. The final scene should show how the characters have evolved and how they have been impacted by their journey.

The final scene should also be focused on tying up any loose ends that may exist within the story. This could mean answering any lingering questions the reader may have, or providing closure to any subplots that were introduced throughout the story. It is also important to make sure that the story’s resolution is believable and satisfying. The audience should feel satisfied that the story has come to a natural conclusion.

In order to make the final scene as impactful as possible, it is important to create tension and suspense. This can be done by introducing a new element to the story, such as a conflict or challenge that the characters must overcome. This element should be something that the characters have been building up to throughout the story, and it should provide a fitting climax to the story.

Finally, the final scene should be written in a way that reflects the story’s overall tone. The writing should be vivid and engaging, and the dialogue should be meaningful and impactful. It is also important to make sure that the scene is memorable, so that the reader will be left with a lasting impression of the story.

Writing a final scene can be a difficult task, but with the right preparation and attention to detail, it can be incredibly rewarding. By thinking about the story’s overall tone, the characters’ arcs, and the introduction of tension and suspense, the writer can create a powerful and meaningful final scene that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

6. Editing and Revising the Ending

Once you have written your ending, the next step is to edit and revise it. This is an important step in the writing process, as it allows you to refine and perfect your work.

When editing and revising your ending, it is important to read it out loud. This will help you identify any awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow. Additionally, it will allow you to catch any typos or grammar errors that you may have missed.

It is also important to consider how the ending fits into the overall story. Does it feel like a natural conclusion to the plot? Does it tie up all the loose ends? If not, it may be necessary to make changes to ensure that all of the elements of the story are resolved.

Finally, it is important to get feedback from other people. Ask a friend or family member to read your ending and provide feedback. This will help you identify any issues that you may have missed and can help you make any necessary changes.

Overall, editing and revising your ending is an important step in the writing process. It allows you to refine and perfect your work and ensure that it is the best it can be. By taking the time to read it out loud, consider how it fits into the overall story, and get feedback from others, you can ensure that your ending is as effective and impactful as possible.

About Richardson

Book reviewer with a passion for reading and exploring new books. I'm always looking for new authors and stories to discover. I have a degree in English Literature and I've been writing book reviews for over five years. I'm constantly striving to find a unique perspective in my reviews, and I'm always looking for a deeper understanding of the stories I'm reading. I'm often found in libraries, bookstores and online book clubs, sharing my opinions and thoughts on a variety of books. I'm also an avid traveler and I love to explore new cultures and ideas through literature.

Leave a Comment