End It Right: How to Write Story Endings That Stay With Readers
Struggling with how to end your story? Learn how to craft powerful, satisfying endings that leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Hey again,
it’s Reginaldo Osnildo!
Let’s talk about something every writer dreads (and every reader notices):
The
ending.
You’ve
built your characters, thrown them into conflict, created some tension—and now
it’s time to land the plane. But how do you make sure your story doesn’t just…
fizzle out?
A great
ending sticks. It stays in the reader’s head long after they’ve turned the last
page. And today, I’ll show you how to craft one that feels right,
satisfies emotionally, and makes your story unforgettable.
Let’s wrap
things up like pros.
Why
Endings Are So Hard (But So Important)
Endings are tough because:
- You want to resolve the story
without rushing it.
- You want it to feel meaningful
without being cheesy.
- You want to surprise your
reader without confusing them.
But here’s
the good news: a great ending is built on what you already wrote.
Let’s
explore how to make yours count.
4 Types
of Endings That Work
1. Resolved
Ending
Everything
wraps up neatly. The main conflict is solved, and the character gets what they
wanted—or learns why they didn’t need it.
Example: A woman finally mails the letter
she wrote years ago, letting go of her past.
2. Twist
Ending
Just when
the reader thinks they’ve got it all figured out—bam! Something
unexpected flips the meaning of the story.
Example: The killer was actually trying to
protect the victim from someone worse.
3. Open
Ending
Not
everything is explained. The reader is left to wonder, interpret, or imagine
what happens next.
Example: The train leaves, and the character
is finally free—but we don’t know where they’re going.
4. Circular
Ending
The story
ends where it began, but the character has changed.
Example: The boy returns to the beach he ran
from as a child, now with his own son.
Each one
works—it just depends on the story you’re telling.
Key
Elements of a Strong Ending
To really
stick the landing, include at least two of these:
- Emotional resolution (we feel the impact of the
journey)
- Character growth (even a small shift is
powerful)
- A callback to the beginning (creates satisfying symmetry)
- A sense of finality or
continuation
(depending on your tone)
Mistakes to Avoid in Endings
- Rushing it. Don’t wrap everything in a
single paragraph. Let the moment breathe.
- Introducing something brand
new. Big
twists are okay, but don’t add new characters or rules at the last second.
- Being vague just to sound deep. Ambiguity is cool if
it’s intentional. Confusion is not.
- Forgetting the emotion. Endings are about feeling.
Don’t forget to show how the characters have changed.
A Simple
Framework to Write Your Ending
When in
doubt, use this flow:
- What changed for the character?
- How do they feel now vs. at the
beginning?
- What action shows that change?
- Leave the reader with a final
thought, image, or emotion.
Example:
She deletes the voicemail. Not because she’s over it, but because she finally
wants to be.
Chills,
right? Keep it simple, honest, and real.
✍️ Writing Prompt: Craft an Ending
Scene
Pick a
character you’ve created. Answer:
- What did they want at the
beginning?
- Did they get it—or something
better/worse?
- What’s the last thing
they do in the story?
Write just
that final scene. No backstory, no middle. Just the end.
🎁 Need Help Writing the Whole Story—Beginning to
End?
If you’ve
been loving these tips but still want more structure, examples, and practice,
I’ve got just the thing for you:
👉 The Basics of Creative Writing for
Those Who Have Never Written Short Stories or Novels
This easy,
beginner-friendly eBook walks you through:
- How
to start a story
- How to develop characters and
structure
- And of course… how to write
a satisfying, memorable ending
No jargon.
No fluff. Just real, practical guidance to help you write your very first short
story today.
So go
ahead—write that final paragraph. Make it count. And know that your story is
just the beginning.
See you in
the next article!
— Reginaldo Osnildo