best ways to end a horror story

One great way is with a sudden twist. For example, the main character who thought they had escaped the horror realizes they are actually still trapped in a never - ending nightmare. It gives the reader a shock and makes them re - think the whole story.

You can end it with a false sense of security. Show the characters thinking they are safe, but then give a last - minute scare. For example, the family has moved away from the haunted place and is having a normal dinner when suddenly the lights go out and a strange noise is heard.

One way is to have the protagonist defeat the evil force. For example, if it's a haunted house story, the main character could find the source of the haunting, like an old cursed object, and destroy it. This gives a sense of victory and closure.

Ending with a sense of unresolved mystery can be effective too. Maybe the source of the horror is never fully explained, like a strange noise in the attic that just stops, leaving the characters and the reader in a state of unease, wondering what it really was. This makes the horror linger in the reader's mind long after they've finished the story.

A good way to end a story is to tie up all the loose ends. Make sure all the sub - plots are resolved. For instance, if there was a friendship in the story that had some issues, show how those issues were overcome at the end. You can also end a story on a positive note, like the hero achieving their goal and being rewarded for their efforts. This gives the reader a feeling of hope and satisfaction. Sometimes, ending with a cliffhanger can work too, especially if you plan to write a sequel, but it should be used sparingly as it can leave some readers frustrated if not done right.

One way is with a twist ending. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the couple's sacrifices for each other turn out to be ironically related. Another way is a happy ending where the main character achieves their goal, like in most fairy tales. A sad ending can also be powerful, leaving the reader with a sense of melancholy and thoughtfulness.

One great way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, describe a dark, fog - covered forest where the trees seem to have a life of their own. The branches could be like gnarled arms reaching out. Another way is to begin with a strange noise, like a low, continuous moan that seems to come from nowhere. It immediately creates a sense of unease in the reader.

One good way is with a twist. For example, the character who seemed like the hero all along turns out to be the villain in the end. It makes the reader re - evaluate everything they've just read. This kind of ending is unexpected and can leave a strong impression.

An unexpected twist ending can be great. Let's say the character has been trying to solve the mystery of the disappearances in the town. At the end, it turns out they were the cause all along, maybe due to a split personality they were unaware of. This flips the whole story on its head.

Another way is to end it with a glimmer of hope. After all the horror, there's a small sign that things might get better. However, this hope should be tenuous, like a single ray of light in a pitch - black room filled with monsters. It adds a bit of relief but still keeps the overall horror tone intact.