As I am entering the final stages of my book, I thought it was fitting to do some research about the various endings a book can have.
Because I began to wonder how will it end?
There are so many possibilities. Will it be a stand alone, will I continue and make it a series?
This and many things need to be considered when weaving the end to a close.
Writing the ending can be bittersweet but also stressful because you want the ending to be impactful and memorable and we know we are all somewhere deep down(secretly or not) a bit of a perfectionist when we are working on our WIP/manuscripts.
So let’s dive into the many different ways on how to end a book.
The best endings are those which leave the reader satisfied, meaningful, screaming (and throwing the book away, this one is secretly my favorite) and above all appropriate for the story being told.
So let’s talk about the mant types of book endings;
Happy Ending
This is a popular and satisfying ending where all major conflicts are resolved, and the main characters achieve their goals. It leaves readers with a sense of joy, hope, and fulfilment.
Tragic Ending
A tragic ending involves the death or failure of the protagonist or other key characters. It can evoke strong emotions and leave readers with a sense of sadness, loss, or contemplation.
Open Ending
An open ending leaves some elements unresolved, allowing readers to interpret and imagine what might happen next. It can spark discussions and leave readers thinking long after finishing the book. It adds great possibilities for a follow-up book/series but doesn’t have to.
Twist Ending
A twist ending involves a surprising revelation or unexpected turn of events that upends readers’ expectations. It can be a powerful way to create a memorable conclusion and leave readers shocked or questioning what they thought they knew.
Bittersweet Ending
A bittersweet ending combines elements of happiness and sadness. It may involve the resolution of some conflicts but at a cost or sacrifice.
It can evoke mixed emotions in readers, leaving them with a sense of both satisfaction and longing.
Cliffhanger Ending
A cliffhanger ending leaves readers on the edge of their seats, with a major unresolved conflict or revelation. It is often used in series or sequels to entice readers to continue with the next instalment.
Ambiguous Ending
An ambiguous ending is intentionally unclear or open to interpretation. It can leave readers questioning the outcome or the true meaning of the story, sparking contemplation and discussion.
Circular Ending
A circular ending brings the story back to its beginning, creating a sense of closure and symmetry. It may demonstrate character growth or reinforce themes explored throughout the narrative.
There are probably many more ways to end a book but these 8 structural types encompass the vast majority of book endings. But within each, there are infinite variations based on voice, theme, and character arc.
One of the essential aspects of a successful ending is tying up loose ends. Address any subplots, unanswered questions, or unresolved conflicts throughout the story. Some readers crave closure (especially if it’s a stand alone book), so take the time to provide satisfying answers and resolution to lingering threads.
A checklist for loose ends to tie up:
Main Conflict
Emotional Resolution
Character Arcs
Reader Satisfaction
Subplots
Tone and Atmosphere
Side Characters
Symbolic Closure
Themes
Future Possibilities
Stay true to the theme you created
The ending should stay true to the overall tone and themes of your book. Consider whether your narrative is dark and gritty, light and whimsical, or somewhere in between. Ensure that the conclusion reflects the journey and tone of the story, maintaining consistency and coherence.
Tips to Stay True to the Theme
- Clarify your theme: Identify the core message or idea you want to convey.
- Revisit key moments: Incorporate references to significant moments that highlight the theme.
- Use symbolism: Integrate symbolic elements to reinforce the underlying message.
- Reflect on character arcs: Show how character growth relates to the theme.
- Utilize dialogue and monologues: Allow characters to express insights related to the theme.
- Emphasize consequences: Explore how the theme influenced the outcome.
But I won’t tell which one of the above I’ve used just yet…