A good short story ending should be unexpected but make sense. It leaves the reader satisfied yet still thinking about the story.
A good short story ending is concise and memorable. It might offer a resolution or a twist that changes the way you view the entire story. It should feel like a natural conclusion but still have a lasting impression.
Surprise. The ending should catch the reader off - guard. For example, in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, the reader initially thinks the lottery is a positive thing, but then it turns out to be a brutal stoning ritual. It's completely unexpected.
The ending could also be bittersweet. Maybe the character was on a journey to save their hometown from a disaster. They succeed, but in the process, they lose something precious, like a friendship they made along the way. This kind of ending adds depth to the story as it shows that not all endings are perfect and there are sacrifices in every journey.
A good ending to a story often involves character growth. The characters should have changed or learned something throughout the story. For instance, in a coming - of - age story, the protagonist might start off as a shy and naive person but by the end, has become more confident and worldly - wise. This transformation gives the ending depth and makes it more than just a simple conclusion.
A good ending should tie up loose ends and leave the reader satisfied. It doesn't have to be all happy, but it should feel complete.
A great ending often surprises yet makes sense. It resolves the main conflicts in a logical way and gives characters appropriate resolutions. Also, it might leave some room for interpretation, making the story linger in the mind.
A good story ending should feel satisfying and tie up loose ends. It should give a sense of closure to the main plot and character arcs.
A happy ending often involves resolving conflicts, characters achieving their goals, and a sense of closure and satisfaction. It could be finding love, achieving a dream, or resolving a long-standing problem.
Very important. In short stories, space is limited. A strong start can introduce the main theme, characters, or conflict right away. If it leads well to the ending, it gives coherence. For example, if a beginning shows a character's flaw, and the ending shows how they overcame or were doomed by that flaw, it makes the story meaningful. A good start is like the foundation of a building, and a related ending is the roof that completes it.
A good ending for a Cinderella story often involves justice being served. For example, Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters getting their comeuppance for treating her so poorly. This gives a sense of satisfaction to the readers or viewers.
A good ending for a scary story is often unexpected. It catches the reader off - guard. For example, if the story has been leading you to believe that the monster can be defeated in a certain way, but then it actually gets defeated in a completely different and unforeseen manner. It also creates a strong emotional impact. Whether it's fear, shock, or a sense of dread that stays with the reader long after they've finished the story.