As a writer, one of your primary goals is to leave a lasting impression on your readers. And there’s no better place to achieve this than in the ending of your novel. A memorable ending can elevate your story from good to great, making it unforgettable for your audience. But how do you craft an ending that lingers in the reader’s mind? In this article, we will explore five distinct ways to write a memorable conclusion for your novel, each with its own unique approach.
1. The Unconventional Resolution
Sometimes, the most memorable endings are the ones that defy expectations. Readers often appreciate a twist or unconventional resolution that challenges their assumptions. To craft an unconventional resolution:
a. Subvert Expectations:
Identify the typical ending tropes associated with your genre or storyline, and deliberately subvert them. Surprise your readers by taking the story in an unexpected direction.
b. Foreshadow Cautiously:
While you want to surprise your readers, avoid making the twist feel arbitrary. Foreshadowing is still essential, but use it in a way that misleads readers just enough to make the resolution surprising.
c. Emotional Impact:
An unconventional ending can be emotionally impactful. Whether it’s a bittersweet twist, a shocking revelation, or an unexpected character decision, ensure that it resonates with the reader on an emotional level.
Example: In George Orwell’s “1984,” the protagonist Winston Smith’s rebellion against the oppressive regime of Big Brother leads to his eventual betrayal and brainwashing. The novel concludes with Winston’s love for Big Brother, a shocking and emotionally charged twist that challenges the reader’s expectations.
2. The Circular Ending
A circular ending brings the story full circle, often by returning to an image, theme, or situation from the beginning of the novel. This technique can create a sense of closure and unity in your story. To create a circular ending:
a. Identify a Key Element:
Choose a significant element from the beginning of your story—a symbol, location, or theme—that can be revisited in the ending.
b. Show Growth or Change:
Incorporate this element into the conclusion, but with a twist. Show how the character or situation has evolved or changed since the beginning.
c. Reflect on the Journey:
Use the circular ending to allow your characters to reflect on their journey and the lessons they’ve learned.
Example: In Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner,” the novel begins with a kite-fighting tournament in Kabul. It ends with a similar tournament years later, but the characters’ roles and relationships have shifted dramatically, reflecting the changes and growth they’ve experienced throughout the story.
3. The Emotional Resonance
A memorable ending often hinges on its emotional impact. Readers are more likely to remember a story that made them feel deeply. To create emotional resonance in your conclusion:
a. Tap into Universal Emotions:
Identify the universal emotions at the core of your story. Love, loss, hope, despair, and redemption are all powerful emotional themes.
b. Character-Centric Closure:
Focus on your characters’ emotional arcs. Allow them to confront their inner demons, reconcile with their past, or find closure in their relationships.
c. Use Imagery and Symbolism:
Imagery and symbolism can amplify the emotional impact of your ending. Use metaphors and symbols that evoke the desired emotions.
Example: In Markus Zusak’s “The Book Thief,” the novel’s conclusion is emotionally charged as it explores the theme of death. The protagonist, Liesel, confronts the loss of loved ones and the impermanence of life, leaving readers with a profound emotional resonance.
4. The Moral Dilemma
A memorable ending can leave readers contemplating ethical or moral questions long after they’ve finished the book. To create a memorable moral dilemma:
a. Introduce a Complex Dilemma:
Incorporate a moral or ethical question that challenges your characters and, by extension, your readers. This dilemma should have no easy answers.
b. Character Choices:
Allow your characters to grapple with this moral dilemma, and make choices that reveal their values and principles.
c. No Clear Resolution:
Avoid providing a clear-cut solution to the moral dilemma. Let readers ponder the implications and make their conclusions.
Example: In Jodi Picoult’s “My Sister’s Keeper,” the novel explores the moral dilemma of using one sibling’s body to save another’s life. The ending presents a heart-wrenching choice and leaves readers to contemplate the ethics of such a decision.
5. The Symbolic Closure
Symbolic closure involves using powerful symbols or metaphors to convey the essence of your story’s resolution. This technique can leave a profound and lasting impact on your readers. To achieve symbolic closure:
a. Choose Meaningful Symbols:
Identify symbols or metaphors that are deeply tied to your story’s themes and characters.
b. Reinforce Themes:
Use these symbols to reinforce the central themes of your novel. They should encapsulate the essence of your story.
c. Layered Significance:
Ensure that the symbols have layered significance, so they resonate with readers on multiple levels.
Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock becomes a powerful symbol representing Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and the elusive nature of the American Dream. The novel’s ending with Gatsby’s death and the green light fading symbolically closes the story, leaving readers with a poignant message.
Conclusion: Crafting Memorable Endings
In conclusion, crafting a memorable ending for your novel requires creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of your story’s themes and characters. Whether you choose to subvert expectations, create a circular ending, evoke strong emotions, pose moral dilemmas, or employ symbolic closure, the key is to leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Remember that every novel is unique, and the choice of the ending technique should align with the tone, genre, and message of your story. Take the time to plan and execute your conclusion effectively, and don’t be afraid to revise and refine until you achieve the desired impact.
Ultimately, a memorable ending is a testament to your storytelling prowess and can transform your novel into a work of literature that resonates with readers for years to come. So, embrace the challenge, experiment with different techniques, and craft an ending that ensures your story will be remembered and cherished.
