Often, apocalypse stories end in one of a few ways. They might end with the restoration of some form of order. This could be like in 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' where there are efforts to revive civilization. Or they can end with the complete annihilation of humanity, as could be the case in some really dark apocalypse tales. In other stories, like 'The Hunger Games', there's a revolution that changes the power structure, but the world is still far from perfect and has to heal from the previous state of chaos.
Apocalypse stories in fiction can end in various ways. There are those that end with the discovery of a new world or a new way of living. For instance, in 'Oryx and Crake', the main character Snowman has to adapt to a very different world after the apocalypse. Some end with a sense of mystery, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen next. In 'The Maze Runner', the boys finally escape the maze but are faced with a whole new set of challenges in the outside world, which is also in a state of disarray. And then there are endings where the main character simply accepts the new, post - apocalyptic reality, like in 'The Road' to some extent.
Well, many survival fiction stories end with a sense of hope or renewal. In 'I Am Legend', although the main character sacrifices himself, his actions lead to the possible salvation of humanity. In 'Lord of the Flies', the boys are rescued, which is a form of survival from the chaos they had created on the island. Also, in 'Hatchet', the boy is eventually rescued after learning so much about survival in the wilderness, and he has a new - found confidence and strength that he didn't have before.
Often, the avenger either succeeds in getting their revenge fully or partially. For example, in 'The Count of Monte Cristo', Edmond Dantes manages to ruin the lives of those who wronged him. But sometimes, the avenger realizes the futility of revenge in the end. Like in some modern stories where the character might choose forgiveness instead.
Often, they end with the protagonist either successfully adapting to the new survival situation or being rescued. For example, in 'The Martian', Mark Watney is rescued. But sometimes, it can be more bittersweet like in 'The Road' where the father doesn't make it but the son may have a chance at a new life.
Often, they portray it through disasters like nuclear war. For example, in some novels, cities are wiped out by mushroom clouds and the survivors have to deal with radiation. Another common way is through pandemics, where a deadly virus spreads rapidly, turning people into zombies or just killing them off. There can also be environmental catastrophes such as extreme climate change, with the world being flooded or turned into a desert.
Many 'apocalypse graphic novels' use disease as a means to show the end of the world. A deadly virus spreads rapidly, killing a large portion of the population. In these stories, we see the breakdown of society as people either die or fight over resources. There are also those that portray the end through nuclear war. The after - effects of the blasts, the radiation, and the destruction of entire cities are common elements in such depictions.
They often show destruction. For example, in 'The Walking Dead', cities are in ruins and overrun by zombies. In some, like 'Akira', there are huge explosions and the breakdown of society.
Some age progression fiction stories end with the character coming to terms with their new age. For example, if they've aged rapidly, they accept the new experiences and knowledge that come with it.
Often, they end with the couple falling in love. For example, in many stories, the initial misunderstandings and differences are resolved, and they realize they have a deep connection.
Often, they end with the boy being rescued. For example, in many detective - based stories, the detective figures out where the boy is held and manages to free him. The kidnapper is usually caught and brought to justice.
Many fiction novels with love stories end with the couple getting together and starting a new life. For instance, in 'Bridget Jones's Diary', Bridget finally finds true love and settles down. However, some end with the lovers going their separate ways. In 'Gone with the Wind', Scarlett and Rhett's relationship doesn't end as she hoped. The way a love - story - centered fiction novel ends often depends on the overall theme and tone the author wants to convey.