Tip 19: End with a Strong Resolution or Cliffhanger
Hadiya Nuriddin, MA, MEd
Award-winning Senior Learning Strategist, Instructional Designer, and Elearning Developer | International Keynote Speaker | Author of StoryTraining and Quality Management in L&D | CPTD | CQIA | CPTM | WOSB-certified
My mother has always been a prolific fiction reader. Her favorite genres are romance and historical fiction - with a dash of romance. I've always found that odd because her feelings on love in real life range from cynical to pessimistic. Everyone you meet, date, and especially marry has an equal chance of being a murderer because why not? Bless her heart for not discriminating.
I believe this is why she is typically unsatisfied with how my stories end. She's been conditioned to believe that someone needs to walk off into the sunset or it ain't over. She's used to neat endings where no question is left unanswered. Or perhaps it's the other way around - she needs resolution, so she seeks books that will give her one. Of course, I've learned that trying to figure out your senior parent is more exhausting than trying to figure out yourself.
But, in her own super annoying way, she has a point. When I'm preparing to tell a story, I focus primarily on the beginning. How will I set the story up? How much context should I give? What can I say to ensure they're immediately engaged? I don't focus on the end as much, thinking the story will just, well, end. However, the ending is just as important as the beginning.
The Importance of the Ending
While I don't have the urge to tie everything up nicely, ending a personal story with a strong resolution or cliffhanger plays a big role in shaping the audience's overall experience and perception of the narrative. A strong resolution provides closure, satisfying the audience's desire for completeness and leaving them with a sense of fulfillment. It ties together various story elements, offering clarity and a deeper understanding of the narrative and its themes.
On the other hand, a cliffhanger stirs curiosity and anticipation, keeping the audience engaged and eager for more, which is particularly effective in serialized storytelling. This technique can also spark discussions and theories, extending the story's life beyond its telling as audiences ponder possible outcomes. Whether opting for closure or suspense, the ending significantly impacts the story's memorability and emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Here are a few examples:
Example 1: Strong Resolution - Overcoming Challenges
"Five years later, for the first time, our little company saw a profit. No investors, no backing, just hard work and an unwavering belief in our product mattered. It wasn't just the numbers that mattered, but the team that stood beside me. We had faced financial hurdles, market fluctuations, and internal conflicts, and each time, we emerged stronger. When I look back, I realize that true success isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it's about growing through them. And now, we move forward, content in the knowledge that we've built something lasting and impactful."
This ending provides a strong resolution by showing the protagonist's reflection on their journey and their realization of what true success means. It gives the reader a sense of closure and satisfaction, wrapping up the story on a positive and contemplative note. This kind of resolution is effective for stories about personal growth and overcoming adversity.
Example 2: Cliffhanger - The Big Decision
"The job offer was more than I had ever dreamed of in both position and salary. Ending my freelancing journey would mean the beginning of financial security and the end of the grind. But as I stared at the hiring manager's second email asking for a response, several nagging questions made me hesitate before clicking Reply: Is this really what I want? Do I give up my dream for comfort? I knew I would have to answer this time. What should I do?"
This cliffhanger ending leaves the reader in suspense, wondering what decision the protagonist will make. It's effective because it engages the reader's curiosity and imagination, inviting them to contemplate the protagonist's dilemma. This type of ending is suitable for stories that revolve around a pivotal decision or moral dilemma.
Example 3: Strong Resolution - The Legacy Continues
"My first job out of college was at GP General. I feel like I grew up here, so it's part of my identity. But when all the signs are telling me to move on to a new opportunity, I've learned to listen. Here, at the end, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and nostalgia. I built the training department from nothing. I didn't even understand how training supported an organization, let alone how to build programs that served the purpose. But I did know that building a team of experienced training folks needed to be my first step. Now, it's time for Kim, my first hire, to take over. I've watched her confidently discuss future plans with the team, and I know this department is in good hands. My story here may be ending, but the legacy of my work, of our work, continues, ready to forge ahead to the next chapter."
This ending offers a strong sense of resolution by showcasing a transition within an organization. It provides emotional closure for the protagonist while also hinting at the continuation of the business's story. This kind of ending is effective for narratives that focus on legacy, succession, and the passage of time.
Each of these endings, whether offering a resolution or a cliffhanger, serves to conclude the story in a way that is emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
The end.
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