Have you ever started reading a book, only to be left hanging at the end wondering what the conclusion is called? Well, wonder no more! The end of a story is called the denouement. It’s that crucial part where the loose ends are tied up, and the reader finally gets to see how the story ends. Denouements come in many forms, from satisfyingly neat to heartbreakingly poignant.

You may be asking yourself why the denouement is an essential element of a story. Well, friends, the answer lies in the journey. A good story isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the experience and the emotions it evokes. The denouement is the final stamp on that experience, providing a sense of closure and resolution. It’s the sweet release that allows readers to put the book down with a satisfied sigh and maybe even a tear or two.

So, the next time you find yourself absorbed in a story, pay attention to the denouement. It may be the key to understanding the author’s intent or an unexpected twist that will leave you reeling. Whatever it is, savor the moment and enjoy the ride. After all, it’s not always about the destination; sometimes, it’s about the journey.

Literary Terminology

In the world of literature, the end of a story is referred to as the denouement or resolution. The denouement is the final part of the story where the plot wraps up and the conflicts and loose ends are resolved. It is a crucial part of the story as it provides closure and allows the reader to understand the outcome of the events which unfolded in the narrative. In some cases, the denouement may take the form of a twist ending, unexpected event, or a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting more.

Literary Terminology

• Plot: The sequence of events in a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement/resolution.
• Conflict: The struggle or problem that drives the plot of the story. It can take various forms, including man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. self, and man vs. society.
• Characterization: The process of creating characters in a story. It includes developing their personalities, backstories, and motivations through dialogue, actions, and description.

Literary Terminology

The denouement or resolution is an essential part of the storytelling process that provides closure and allows the reader to understand the outcome of the events in the narrative. It ties up any loose ends and provides a sense of finality or resolution. However, it is important to note that not all stories require a neat and tidy ending. Some authors intentionally leave the ending ambiguous or open to interpretation, challenging readers to draw their own conclusions.

In addition, some stories employ the use of epilogues, which provide additional information about the characters or events after the main story has ended. It can be in the form of written prose, dialogue, or even a flashback. Epilogues can provide a deeper understanding of the story or serve as a satisfying conclusion to the narrative.

Literary Terminology

The following table provides a brief overview of the different types of denouements:

Type	Description
Explicit resolution	The conflicts and plot points are resolved in a clear and concise manner, providing a satisfying ending.
Ambiguous ending	The outcome of the story is left unanswered or open to interpretation, challenging readers to come to their own conclusions.
Twist ending	A sudden and unexpected event occurs, changing the reader’s perception of the story’s events and leading to a surprising resolution.
Cliffhanger	The story ends abruptly, leaving the reader hanging and eager to find out what happens next.

Ultimately, the denouement is an important part of the narrative that requires careful consideration by the author. It can make or break the story and leave a lasting impression on the reader, so it’s essential to get it right.

Climax

The climax, also known as the turning point, is the most crucial part of a story. It is the moment where the conflict reaches its peak and the protagonist faces their greatest challenge. The main character has to make a critical decision or carry out a significant action that will determine the outcome of the story. The climax is the culmination of all the events and actions that have occurred up to that point in the narrative.

Most stories have a clear climactic moment, although some stories have several climaxes. In some cases, the climax may occur earlier in the story, with the remaining events serving as the denouement. In other cases, the climax may occur towards the end of the story, followed by a brief resolution.

The Elements of a Climax

• Intensity: The climax should be the most emotionally charged and intense part of the story, with high stakes for the protagonist.
• Choice: The protagonist must make a choice or take an action that will determine the outcome of the story.
• Consequence: The decision or action taken by the protagonist in the climax should have significant consequences for the story and characters.

Examples of Climaxes

The climax of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series occurs when Harry decides to sacrifice himself to destroy Voldemort’s final Horcrux. The consequence is that Voldemort is ultimately defeated and the wizarding world is saved.

In the film The Dark Knight, the climax occurs when Batman has to decide whether to save Harvey Dent or Commissioner Gordon’s family. The intensity of the scene is heightened by the fact that the Joker is causing chaos by threatening to blow up two ferry boats.

The Relationship Between Climax and Story Structure

The climax is an essential part of a story’s structure. It is typically the turning point that leads to the resolution of the plot and character arcs. In a traditional three-act structure, the climax would occur towards the end of the second act, followed by the denouement in the third act.

Act	Structure	Story Elements
Act 1	Introduction	Exposition, Inciting Incident
Act 2	Confrontation	Rising Action, Climax, Turning Point
Act 3	Resolution	Denouement, Resolution, Conclusion

Regardless of the structure, the climax is where the story’s tension peaks and the protagonist faces their greatest challenge, making it a vital component of any compelling narrative.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part of a story that ties up loose ends, summarizes the main points of the story, and leaves the reader with a sense of closure. It is the last chance for the writer to make an impression on the reader, so it is essential to make it count.

• The conclusion should be written with the same care and attention as the rest of the story.
• It should not introduce new information or characters.
• The conclusion should be satisfying without being overly dramatic or sentimental.

One technique for writing a strong conclusion is to re-emphasize the main theme or idea of the story. This can be accomplished by restating the theme in a different way or by providing an example that reinforces the theme.

Another effective technique is to use imagery or symbolism to convey the message of the story. This can be done through a metaphor, a symbol, or a visual image that captures the essence of the story.

Elements of a Good Conclusion
Summarizes the main points of the story
Ties up loose ends
Leaves the reader with a sense of closure
Re-emphasizes the main theme or idea of the story
Uses imagery or symbolism to convey the message of the story

A good conclusion is a critical part of any story. It is the final impression that the reader will have, so it is essential to make it memorable. By following the guidelines for writing a strong conclusion and using effective techniques, a writer can create an ending that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Resolution

The resolution, also known as the denouement, is the final part of the story where all loose ends are tied up and the story comes to a close. This is where the protagonist’s conflict is usually resolved and their goal is either achieved or not, depending on the story’s structure.

• In some stories, the resolution can be a happy ending where the protagonist achieves their goal and everything is tied up neatly.
• Other stories may have a more bittersweet resolution where the protagonist achieves their goal but at a cost or sacrifice.
• Some stories may have an open-ended resolution where the protagonist’s future is left ambiguous, or their goal is not achieved, leaving room for interpretation.

The resolution is also where the theme of the story can become more apparent, as the reader reflects on the events that led to the conclusion. It is important for the resolution to be satisfying and believable, as it can affect the reader’s overall impression of the story.

The following table shows some common elements of a resolution:

Element	Description
Conflict Resolution	A resolution of the story’s primary conflict, often through character development or action.
Character Arcs	The resolution of the protagonist and other characters’ personal journeys throughout the story.
Themes and Messages	The underlying messages or lessons communicated through the story and how they are reinforced or resolved in the resolution.

The resolution is a crucial part of any story, as it provides closure and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It is the final opportunity for the author to leave the reader with a message or feeling that resonates long after the story has ended.

Denouement

The denouement is the final phase of a story, where all loose ends are tied up, and the outcome is revealed. It is the resolution of the story, where the conflict is resolved, and the characters find their place in the world. Often, the denouement provides a sense of closure and brings a satisfying end to the story.

• The denouement usually begins after the climax, the point of maximum tension in the story, and is followed by the falling action. It is the last part of the story and is critical in concluding the plot, resolving any questions, and leaving a final impression on the reader.
• The denouement is not just about the outcome of the story. It is also about the emotional journey the characters have taken. The denouement gives the readers a chance to reflect on the characters’ journey and how they have changed throughout the story, and if they have overcome their challenges.
• In some cases, the denouement may leave questions unanswered or offer an open ending, leaving the readers to wonder about what happens next. This can be an effective technique to leave a lasting impression on the readers and encourage them to think about the story even after it has ended.

The denouement can take many forms, such as:

1. A happy ending: The story has a positive outcome, and the characters achieve their goals.

2. A tragic ending: The story has a sad or unfortunate outcome, where the characters’ efforts are in vain.

3. An ambiguous ending: The ending is unclear, and questions are left unanswered, leaving the reader to interpret what happened.

Elements of a denouement:	What it does:
Resolution of the plot	It answers the story’s main question, such as whether the characters achieved their goals or overcame their challenges.
Character arcs	It shows the characters’ emotional growth, how they’ve changed throughout the story, and where they end up.
Tone	The tone of the denouement sets the readers’ final impression of the story, whether it’s happy or sad, triumphant or bleak.

Overall, the denouement is a crucial part of any story, as it provides a sense of closure and finality. It gives readers a chance to reflect on the characters’ journeys and how the story has impacted them. A well-written denouement can leave a lasting impression on the readers and make the story unforgettable.

Epilogue

An epilogue is the final section of a story or performance that comes after the climax and resolution. It serves to tie up loose ends, provide closure, and give insight into what happens to the characters after the main events of the story have concluded. The epilogue can take various forms, such as a summary, a final thought from the author, a glimpse into the future, or even a broader reflection on the themes of the story.

• Summary: A summary epilogue recounts the major events of the story and provides a brief recap of what the characters experienced and how they changed. It gives the reader a sense of closure by reminding them of the most impactful moments and highlighting the most significant transformations.
• Author’s Note: An author’s note epilogue is a message from the writer to the readers that can be both personal and informative. It might include background details about the inspiration for the story, notes on the writing process, or even a thank you to those who supported the project.
• Glimpse into the Future: A glimpse into the future epilogue offers a tantalizing peek into what happens to the characters after the story has ended. It allows the reader to imagine what happens to their favorite characters and how they continue to be shaped by their experiences.

Epilogues can also provide broader reflections on the themes and messages of the story. They can offer a sense of resolution or closure for the reader, allowing them to consider the impact of the story on a deeper level than just the surface events of the plot. In this way, epilogues can make a story more powerful and meaningful.

The use of an epilogue is not necessary for every story, and some may choose to end with a dramatic conclusion instead. However, for those authors who choose to include one, it can give a story a more significant impact and provide a lasting impression on the reader.

Pros	Cons
Provides closure and a sense of completeness for the story	May be seen as unnecessary or add unnecessary length to the story
Can offer final insight into the characters or themes	May disrupt the tone or pacing of the story
Allows the author to offer their final thoughts or message	May feel contrived or cheesy if done poorly

Ultimately, whether or not to include an epilogue is a decision that depends on the story the author wants to tell and the impact they want to have on their readers. When done well, an epilogue can provide a satisfying conclusion and leave a lasting impression on those who read the story.

Afterword

After the climax and resolution of a story, readers are often left with a lingering feeling of wanting more. This is where an afterword can come in handy, providing closure and context for the story they have just experienced. While not all stories require an afterword, it can be a thoughtful addition to leave readers with a complete understanding of the story they’ve just read.

• What is an afterword? An afterword is a final section of a book that often serves as an author’s concluding thoughts on the work or provides additional context for the story. It can be used to thank readers, explain the inspiration for the book, or provide additional details about the story that weren’t directly addressed in the text.
• The purpose of an afterword: An afterword can serve a variety of purposes, but ultimately its goal is to provide readers with a sense of closure – both emotionally and thematically. It can provide context for the story and reveal the author’s intentions behind certain plot points or character choices.
• Key elements of an afterword: An afterword should be concise yet informative, revealing new insights about the story without being too lengthy. It’s important to stay true to the tone of the story, as well as the voice of the author. A good afterword will leave readers feeling that they have come full circle and understand the story in a deeper way.

Overall, an afterword can add depth and meaning to a story in a way that the core text can’t always achieve. It provides the author with a chance to share their thoughts and feelings on the work, and the reader with a chance to learn more about the story they’ve just experienced.

If you’re considering adding an afterword to your story, think carefully about what you want to achieve with it and the information you want to share. An effective afterword can be the perfect conclusion to a great read, leaving readers satisfied and content with the story they’ve just enjoyed.

Pros	Cons
Provides closure for readers	Can be seen as unnecessary or self-indulgent
Can reveal new insights about the story	May take away from the impact of the story’s ending
Allows the author to share their thoughts and feelings	May disrupt the flow of the story if not well-written

Ultimately, the decision to include an afterword in your story is up to you. Consider your story, your readers, and your goals for the work. If you feel that an afterword could enhance the experience for your readers, then go for it – it may just be the perfect ending your story needs!

FAQs: What is the End of a Story Called?

1. What is the term for the end of a story?
The ending of a story is typically referred to as the conclusion or the resolution.

2. Is the conclusion necessary in a story?
Yes, the conclusion is necessary as it brings closure to the story, ties up loose ends, and provides the reader with a sense of satisfaction.

3. What are some elements of a good conclusion?
A good conclusion should bring a sense of resolution to the story, be satisfying to the reader, and tie up any loose ends. It can also offer a new perspective on the events of the story.

4. Can the conclusion of a story be open-ended?
Yes, an open-ended conclusion can be used to leave the reader with their own interpretation of the story’s events and character motivations.

5. What is a cliffhanger ending?
A cliffhanger ending is when the story ends on a dramatic or suspenseful note, often leaving the fate of the characters uncertain and leading the reader to want more.

6. Is it important for the conclusion to match the tone of the story?
Yes, the conclusion should generally match the tone set throughout the story to maintain consistency and believability.

7. Can the conclusion of a story be a twist ending?
Yes, a twist ending can be an effective way to surprise the reader and provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it, everything you need to know about what the end of a story is called. Whether it’s a happy resolution, a heart-wrenching twist, or a suspenseful cliffhanger, the conclusion of a story is vital to providing the reader with closure and satisfaction. We hope this article has been informative and helpful. Thank you for reading, and be sure to visit again for more insightful content.