A bittersweet ending can be quite satisfying too. Maybe the hero has to sacrifice something important, like a relationship or a dream, in order to save the world or do the right thing. It adds depth to the story and makes it more memorable. It's not just a simple happy or sad ending, but a complex mix of emotions that can really resonate with the reader.
An ending that shows the growth of a character can be satisfying. If a character starts as a coward but through the events of the story becomes brave, and at the end, they face their biggest fear with confidence. This kind of character development - based ending gives the story a strong sense of purpose and progress.
A good way to end a story satisfyingly is to give the characters a proper send - off. If it's a character - driven story, make sure each important character has reached a point where their arc is complete. Whether they have learned a lesson, achieved their dreams, or found peace within themselves. This gives the readers a sense of closure and satisfaction that they have witnessed the full journey of the characters.
End the story by returning to a key theme or idea introduced at the beginning. It creates a sense of circularity and completeness. Or, have a bittersweet ending that leaves a lasting impression on the readers.
For a story to end well, it could either have a happy resolution where characters get what they deserve or a bittersweet one that leaves room for reflection. The key is for it to feel organic and not forced.
A sad way to end a story is through separation. Like in a story about a family being torn apart by war or some other external force. The family members are scattered, and they may never see each other again. Another sad ending can be the loss of hope. When the protagonist, who has been fighting against all odds, finally gives up and succumbs to the despair. For instance, a character who has been trying to find a cure for a disease but realizes there is no hope left and just waits for death. And then there is the betrayal ending. Where a character who is trusted deeply by the protagonist turns out to be the one causing all the harm, and the protagonist is left alone and broken.
One way is with a twist. For example, the character who seemed to be the hero turns out to be the villain all along. This surprises the reader and makes them rethink the whole story.
You can end a story with a cliffhanger if you plan on writing a sequel. It keeps the readers interested and eager for more. However, this should be done carefully as it can also frustrate some readers if not handled well.
Another way is a cliffhanger ending. This leaves the reader in suspense and eager for more. For example, a detective is about to open a door where the mystery might be solved, but the story ends right there.
One funny way to end a story is with a sudden and unexpected role reversal. For example, if the story is about a detective chasing a criminal, at the end, the criminal could turn out to be the detective's long - lost twin who was just playing a prank all along. Another way is to have a completely absurd event occur. Say the story is about a group of friends on a camping trip, and at the end, a giant purple elephant flies down from the sky and offers them a ride home. Or you could end the story with a really bad pun. If the story involves a baker, the last line could be 'The baker kneaded a new start, and that's the end of our tart!'
One way is to end with a resolution. For example, if it's a mystery story, the detective finally solves the case and all the loose ends are tied up. This gives the reader a sense of closure.