Q&A for How to Write a Good Ending to a Story

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What is the name for a story where the protagonist dies?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

If your protagonist dies, the story is likely a tragedy. However, a tragedy has more elements than just the protagonist's death.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
Question

Can you provide examples of good story endings?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

If you read through this article, there are a few examples of good story endings, as well as some examples of bad endings.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

How do I write a good ending to a sad story?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

You could read over the WikiHow page "How to Create a Heartbreaking Story" to get started. Although links cannot be posted in the Q&A section, you could look it up in the Wiki search box.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

What is a good ending sentence?

Community Answer

This really depends on each individual story, but it's always good when the ending sentence ties in an important metaphor or motif that was used in the story.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 31
Question

How could I write an ending where the villain is reformed and the dead characters come back to life without it being cheesy, cliche or too happy?

Pamela

Community Answer

If you want to, make it epic. Perhaps the villain reforms because of what one of the characters said to him/her and (if he/she is powerful) brings the characters back to life. Maybe include something about redemption or forgiveness.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12
Question

Is the ending more important than the beginning?

Community Answer

Both are important. You couldn't have an ending without a beginning, and vice versa.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 18
Question

How should I end my bullying story?

Community Answer

Maybe you could have the bully be punished for his actions, or have the bully realize his actions are bad and try to improve himself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 36 Helpful 26
Question

Can you provide any examples of stories that use a return to the beginning as the ending?

Community Answer

Lord of the Rings begins as hobbits leave the Shire. It ends as hobbits rebuild the Shire after Sharkan/Saruman is defeated.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

How do I end a fantasy story without having an intense battle, but still have it be interesting?

Community Answer

You can make a character discover his/her special talent and decide that they will use it to help people.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
Question

What would be a good way to end a love story?

Community Answer

Do not end in "and they lived happily ever after." End with suspense, like, "They survived" or "They gave each other one last kiss, and said goodbye forever" or "The whole world stopped, and they glared into each other's eyes."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5