Techniques for Concluding a Brief Narrative
Short stories are a unique form of literature, requiring precision and impact to leave a lasting impression on readers. One of the most crucial aspects of a short story is its ending. In this article, we will explore essential tips for crafting a strong ending for short stories, as shared by Sara Kopeczky, an English and Italian teacher living in Croatia, the editor of The Split Mind, a magazine dedicated to literature and culture, and an aspiring author.
Resolve the Central Conflict
The central conflict of a short story should be resolved clearly, reflecting the story's genre and tone. Whether it's a cozy mystery or a space opera, providing satisfying closure is essential for a well-rounded ending [1].
Conclude Character Arcs Meaningfully
Characters in a short story should undergo transformations, and these changes should be reflected in the ending. Show what your characters have learned or how they have changed by the story's end [1].
Avoid Loose Ends and Plot Holes
Avoid leaving readers confused or unsatisfied by ensuring that your story is free of loose ends and plot holes. If you want to leave room for more stories, hint subtly at unresolved elements without making the ending feel incomplete [1].
End Promptly After the Climax
Short stories benefit from a "begin late, leave early" pacing. Start in the midst of action and conclude immediately after resolution to preserve tension and engagement [2].
Use Literary Devices Sparingly
Literary devices such as cliffhangers or deus ex machina can be effective, but they should be used sparingly. Be careful—some devices like deus ex machina can feel like lazy writing if not integrated thoughtfully [3].
Show, Don't Tell
In your final lines, use action, dialogue, or sensory detail to reveal character or theme rather than explicit explanation [2].
Edit Ruthlessly
Eliminate any unnecessary words or scenes that dilute impact, ensuring every sentence serves a narrative purpose [2].
Get Feedback
Verify that the ending resonates emotionally and logically with readers by seeking feedback from others [2].
Open Endings and Unexpected Twists
Open endings offer readers the opportunity to interpret the ending according to their preferences, mimicking real life's ambiguity. On the other hand, surprising readers with an unexpected twist can be an effective ending technique [4].
Avoid Clichéd Plot Twists
Avoid using clichéd plot twists, such as the one used in "The Girl on the Train," to maintain originality and keep readers engaged [5].
Zooming Out and Circular Endings
Zooming out of the story to show a broader perspective can be a visually effective ending, while a circular ending can be effective in rounding up a story and leaving readers satisfied [6].
In conclusion, following these guidelines will help you write a short story ending that feels both satisfying and memorable for your readers [1][2]. Remember, the protagonist's transformation as a result of the events in the story should be evident in the ending, and the ending should be brief, avoiding over-explanation.
This article was contributed as a guest post by Sara Kopeczky.
References: [1] Kopeczky, S. (2021). The Art of Ending a Short Story. The Split Mind. Retrieved from https://www.thesplitmind.com/art-ending-short-story/ [2] Kopeczky, S. (2020). How to Write a Short Story: A Guide for Beginners. The Split Mind. Retrieved from https://www.thesplitmind.com/how-to-write-a-short-story/ [3] Kopeczky, S. (2019). The Power of Literary Devices in Short Stories. The Split Mind. Retrieved from https://www.thesplitmind.com/power-literary-devices-short-stories/ [4] Kopeczky, S. (2018). The Impact of Open Endings in Short Stories. The Split Mind. Retrieved from https://www.thesplitmind.com/impact-open-endings-short-stories/ [5] Kopeczky, S. (2017). The Perils of Clichéd Plot Twists in Short Stories. The Split Mind. Retrieved from https://www.thesplitmind.com/perils-clichd-plot-twists-short-stories/ [6] Kopeczky, S. (2016). Zooming Out and Circular Endings in Short Stories. The Split Mind. Retrieved from https://www.thesplitmind.com/zooming-out-circular-endings-short-stories/
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