4. Structure – How to end

How can we end the story?

The ending can be difficult to execute in a short story. The key is to express a change in the character and/or setting, as well as leave the reader with a clear message. This is the moment the story leaves, so it needs a great ending for them to remember!

Here are some options if you are stuck:

Think of some examples from texts that you know or think of an original example with your tutor.

1. Leave it open: while this is a riskier choice, you could leave the ending ambiguous and leave the reader to interpret the meaning. Only do this if you are confident you have expressed meaning throughout the story.

‘Did he or didn’t he?’/ ‘Is she alive or dead?’ /‘Is it that or is it this?’/ ‘Is the narrator lying or telling the truth?’

2. Try create a defined resolution: this is the commonly used ending where the conflict/plot is resolved cleanly. The victory of one force over the other should change the character’s perspective/emphasize the significance of their cause or a lesson learned.

3. Set up a comparison to the beginning: by referring to the beginning or by setting up a similar situation, the reader can compare the beginning/end of the narrative. By doing so, the reader will be able to see what has changed/been learned.

• Closing the circle (return to the beginning important please or reintroduce key character). Ending connects to odd or offbeat element earlier in the story

4. End with a Monologue/dialogue: by ending with a character’s monologue or speaking, you can express the meaning behind the story more explicitly through the character’s own realization of the moral.

5. End with symbolic imagery: similar to monologue/dialogue, you could use a symbolic object or a character’s interaction with it to indicate the character’s development/the meaning behind the story.