Crafting Compelling Endings: A Guide for Aspiring Writers
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Importance of Endings
For writers, the journey of crafting a story often hinges on a clear vision of its conclusion.
Many authors find themselves at a standstill in their fiction writing because they lack a definitive ending before they begin. This is akin to navigating a vehicle without a destination—an enjoyable adventure when writing is merely a pastime, but counterproductive for serious writers.
Here's a little-known fact: you’re not obligated to adhere to the initial ending you conceive. This is a secret that only you possess!
To help you pinpoint the conclusion of any narrative, consider the "Four-Ending Framework." While it may seem simplistic, this approach can be a useful tool for writers of all levels.
Every narrative revolves around a central figure (the protagonist) who encounters challenges (the central conflict) and strives (the essence of your story, typically unfolding in Act II) to obtain a desired outcome. If they fail, significant consequences (often severe) will ensue.
Upon closer examination, there are four potential endings to consider:
- The protagonist achieves their goal and triumphs in the high-stakes scenario.
- The protagonist achieves their goal but faces defeat in the high-stakes scenario.
- The protagonist fails to achieve their goal yet triumphs in the high-stakes scenario.
- The protagonist fails to achieve their goal and loses in the high-stakes scenario.
Let's explore an example from the film "Lagaan":
- Desire: The villagers aim to win a cricket match against the British.
- Stakes: They will face triple taxation for three years if they lose, compounded by a drought.
Possible outcomes include:
- The villagers win the match and avoid taxes.
- The villagers win but still owe taxes.
- The villagers lose but escape tax obligations.
- The villagers lose and face triple taxation.
You can apply this framework to nearly any story to determine an ending before you write.
Now, let’s analyze the framework through other films and novels.
Section 1.1: Examining Popular Films
Titanic
- Desire: Jack and Rose wish to be together.
- High Stakes: Their survival and quest for personal freedom on the Titanic.
Possible outcomes:
- Both survive and start a life together.
- Both survive but part ways due to societal pressures.
- Jack sacrifices himself, and Rose honors him.
- Neither survives, culminating in a tragic romance.
The Hangover
- Desire: Friends seek to locate their missing companion after a wild night.
- High Stakes: The wedding must proceed as planned.
Possible outcomes:
- They find their friend, and the wedding occurs.
- They find their friend but miss the wedding.
- They cannot locate their friend, leading to a canceled wedding.
- They find their friend and uncover a larger mystery affecting everyone.
Gone Girl
- Desire: Nick aims to find his missing wife, Amy.
- High Stakes: Nick confronts public scrutiny and legal challenges.
Possible outcomes:
- Nick finds Amy and proves his innocence.
- Nick finds Amy, complicating their relationship.
- He fails to find Amy and is wrongfully convicted.
- He finds Amy, revealing deeper lies and altering their fates.
Harry Potter (Complete Series)
- Desire: Harry wants to vanquish Voldemort and find acceptance.
- High Stakes: The safety and freedom of the wizarding world.
Possible outcomes:
- Harry defeats Voldemort and restores peace.
- He defeats Voldemort but suffers personal losses.
- He fails to vanquish Voldemort, leaving the world in danger.
- He defeats Voldemort while uncovering new magical truths.
The Alchemist
- Desire: Santiago seeks to discover his Personal Legend through treasure.
- High Stakes: He risks everything and faces the unknown.
Possible outcomes:
- Santiago finds the treasure and fulfills his Personal Legend.
- He finds the treasure but loses it to thieves.
- He fails to find the treasure but realizes the journey matters more.
- He finds the treasure and learns his true wealth is at home.
Remember, you're not finalizing your ending; you're merely establishing a direction before you begin writing.
Having a clear path before starting your narrative is one of the most beneficial steps you can take in your writing journey.
Until next time,
Ciao!
Chapter 2: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Discover the nine common plot mistakes that many new fantasy writers make and how to avoid them. This insightful video can help you refine your storytelling skills.
Explore ten frequent errors new writers make and learn effective strategies to fix them. This video offers valuable tips for improving your writing process.