Before you begin writing the resolution (conclusion) to your story, reflect on where your characters have been, what they have overcome, what they have learned, and what message you want your readers to take away from your story. Think about the plot and if there are any loose ends that need to be tied up. Remember, you want to provide a satisfying ending for your readers. What was the main conflict in my story?

Question

Before you begin writing the resolution (conclusion) to your story, reflect on where your characters have been, what they have overcome, what they have learned, and what message you want your readers to take away from your story. Think about the plot and if there are any loose ends that need to be tied up. Remember, you want to provide a satisfying ending for your readers. What was the main conflict in my story?
 
How can this conflict be resolved in a way that is consistent with the rest of my story?
 
Are there any loose ends in my story that need to be tied up?
 
What have my main characters learned as a result of their experiences or what do they now understand?
 
Do my characters’ reflections on what they learned over the course of the story communicate the message I want my readers to understand?

GPT-4o mini · Answer

Sure! Let’s explore how to approach your resolution based on the questions you've provided.

Main Conflict

Identifying the main conflict is crucial, as it drives the story and shapes the character arcs. For example, if your story involves a character striving to overcome their fears (internal conflict), or perhaps facing a societal challenge (external conflict), that would serve as the foundation for your resolution.

Resolution of Conflict

To resolve the conflict consistently with the rest of your story, consider how your characters have evolved. For instance, if a character started off fearful but has grown through various trials, the resolution could involve them facing their fears head-on, using the skills and confidence they've acquired. A satisfying resolution helps reinforce the theme of growth and can include a moment of realization or a decision that encapsulates their journey.

Tying Up Loose Ends

Ensure to check for any threads in your narrative that might feel unresolved. This could include:

Relationships between characters that need closure (e.g., reconciliation or acknowledgment of change).
Plot points that haven't been addressed (like the outcome of a subplot).
The fate of secondary characters who impacted the main characters’ journey.

Characters' Insights

Think about what your characters have learned. Perhaps they’ve gained resilience, empathy, or the importance of community. Articulating these insights can provide depth to the conclusion and reinforce the story’s themes. It's often effective to show characters expressing their newfound understanding through dialogue or internal monologue, which allows readers to connect with the transformation.

Communicating the Message

In the resolution, aim to have your characters reflect on their journey in a way that aligns with the story's message. It could be through a conversation, a series of actions that demonstrate their growth, or even a closing scene that highlights their relationship to the central theme.

Final Thoughts

Your resolution should feel organic and fulfilling, resulting from the foundation laid throughout the story. By addressing the main conflict, resolving any loose ends, and ensuring that character growth aligns with the intended message, you can provide your readers with a satisfying and thoughtful conclusion.

This structure can help guide you as you draft your resolution. If you have specific plot points or character arcs in mind, feel free to share them for more tailored guidance!