A good conclusion should leave your reader feeling intrigued, entertained, and informed. By ending your story well, your readers get a sense that the problem is solved thoughtfully and credibly.
The resolution or conclusion should serve to:
Wrap up your story
Provide a resolution to the conflict
Inform the reader of any changes in the character
Show how you have addressed the topic (***)
Strategy 1: Reflect On the Incident
An easy way to end your story is to include a reflection on the incident that happened in your story. You can consider using this technique if your character decides a change in behaviour or attitude is necessary, reflects on their mistakes, or learns a valuable lesson. To do this well, make sure that you describe your character’s thoughts and feelings about the problem in your story.
Consider using these questions to help you develop your conclusion:
How has the incident changed your main character’s impression of his actions?
What promises or decisions did he make to avoid such incidents in the future?
How did he feel after the accident?
TOPIC: A DARE
After that fateful incident, swimming in the cerulean sea was never the same again (thought). I made a silent vow never to throw caution to the wind and accept a foolhardy challenge (link to topic) for the sake of friendship (lesson learnt). Filled with immense regret (feeling), I decided never to risk my life just to gain acceptance from my peers (decision).
Strategy 2: Words of Wisdom
If the topic involves a value like honesty, courage, or teamwork, you might want to include a proverb or saying in the conclusion. When your main character comes to realise an important value or moral after going through the events in the entire story, you can try applying this strategy.
It’s important to note that the saying or proverb should be closely linked to the topic.
For example, if the topic is “a dishonest act,” and the problem in your story was how your main character was caught red-handed for shoplifting, you can discuss the valuable lesson of honesty.
Consider using these questions to help you develop your conclusion:
What was the important value that your main character learnt?
Why was this value important to uphold?
How did this incident affect your main character’s future actions?
At the end of the day, the shopkeeper was right: honesty is the best policy (saying). Stealing from someone will not only tarnish my reputation but also leave my conscience tainted with guilt (why acting honestly is important). The act of triggering the blaring alarm and having to answer for my dishonest deed (link to topic) continues to haunt me even to this day (memorable image). This valuable lesson on integrity will be indelibly etched in my mind forever (how the incident has left an impact on your main character).
Strategy 3: Guide your readers back to the present
If you have started your story with a flashback, you’ll want to pay attention to this technique. To wrap up the character’s journey into the past, you must bring your character back to the present when you end your story. Let’s take a look at another example to show you what I mean.
If the topic is “a painful loss,” and the problem in your story was how your main character had to give up something he treasured, like a watch, to pay for his father’s medical bills, you can use this technique to make a reference to the beginning.
Consider using these questions to help you develop your conclusion:
What triggered your main character back to the present moment? Usually, this would be a sound or a voice.
What was the painful loss?
Was the sacrifice worth it? Why?
Knock! Knock! (sound) I was jolted out of my nostalgia (show clearly that main character was brought back to the present). “Andy, are you ready for dinner?” Father exclaimed, greeting me with a warm smile. Immediately, I ran into his arms and wrapped him in a tight embrace. Although giving up my precious watch was a difficult sacrifice (state what was the painful loss – link to topic), I know that the fond memories of my late mother could not be contained in a single object. Deep down, I knew that my mother would have affirmed my decision, for she would rather it help my father and me to have a better life (describe why sacrifice was worth it).