Think about the message you want to send with your story. Your ending should reinforce that message. For example, if your story is about the importance of friendship, end it with the characters' friendship being stronger than ever. You can also look at other successful stories in your genre for inspiration. See how they end and what makes those endings work. But don't copy them directly; just use them as a guide to create your own unique and satisfying ending.
You could try a circular ending. This means ending the story where it began. For instance, if your story starts in a small, sleepy town, have the last scene also be in that town. But this time, show how the events of the story have changed the town or the character's perception of it. This gives a sense of closure and completion. It ties up the loose ends in a neat way.
Make sure all the loose ends are tied up. If there were conflicts in the story, resolve them in the ending. For instance, if there was a feud between two characters, they should either make up or part ways in a conclusive way.
To have a great ending, it often helps to have a mix of emotions - maybe a touch of sadness, but mostly a sense of hope or achievement. And it should leave a lasting impression on the reader, making them think about the story long after they've finished reading.
First, you need to think about the themes and messages you want to convey. Then, bring the main conflicts to a logical conclusion. Maybe throw in a twist if it makes sense. Also, make the ending emotionally resonant for the readers.
To create a satisfying ending, first, tie up all the loose ends. If there are sub - plots or mysteries introduced throughout the story, make sure they are resolved. For example, if a character has lost a precious heirloom at the beginning, it should be found or accounted for by the end.
First of all, when ending a novel, you should consider the journey of the characters. The ending should reflect how they have changed or remained the same throughout the story. If a character started as a coward and was supposed to grow, the ending should show that growth clearly. Second, the setting can play a role in the ending. If the story was set in a post - apocalyptic world, the ending could show either the rebuilding of that world or the final destruction. Third, the relationships between the characters need to be finalized. Friendships should be either strengthened or broken in a way that feels right. And finally, the ending should leave the reader with something to think about, not just a simple conclusion but something that lingers in their minds long after they've finished reading.
Think about the message you want to convey. If your story is about the importance of family, then an ending where the family is reunited or has learned to value each other more would be satisfying. You can also use symmetry in your ending. If the story began with a certain scene or event, mirror it in some way in the ending. This creates a sense of harmony and can make the ending feel complete. Additionally, avoid deus ex machina endings where something completely unexpected and unearned resolves the story. It makes the ending feel cheap and unfulfilling.
One way is to tie up all the loose ends. Readers don't like to be left with unanswered questions. So, if there was a mystery introduced early in the story, the author should solve it by the end. For example, in a murder mystery, revealing the true killer and the motives clearly. Another way is to have character growth. If a character started as a coward and through the story becomes brave, it makes for a satisfying ending when they face their fears successfully.
You need to make sure it ties up loose ends and leaves the readers with a sense of closure. A good ending should feel natural and not rushed.
The ending should feel natural and not forced. It could be a happy ending, a bittersweet one, or even a tragic one, as long as it fits the story's logic and has an emotional impact. Sometimes, leaving a lingering thought or a lesson for the reader can make the ending more memorable.