Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
Do you want to know how a resolution in a story should be written? If so, this article is for you! We will discuss the resolution of a story and provide 21 examples of resolutions from popular books.
What is the resolution of a story?
The resolution of a story is when the conflict is resolved, and the story ends. It is often thought of as the climax of the story, and it should be clear and concise.
How do you write the resolution of a story?
There are three steps to writing a resolution:
- Resolve the main conflict
- Tie up loose ends
- Provide a satisfying ending
Let’s take a closer look at each step.
How do you resolve the main conflict?
The main conflict is resolved by solving the problem that caused the conflict in the first place. This can be done in many ways, but it should be clear and concise.
How do you tie up loose ends?
Loose ends are things that remain unresolved because the problem has not been solved. The story should tie up all of its loose ends so the reader understands how everything is resolved for each character. This can be done by showing what happens to each main and supporting character in a way that makes sense.
How do you provide a satisfying ending?
The reader should be satisfied with the story’s resolution. This is done by providing an ending that makes sense and provides enough closure, so it feels like a complete book. Often, this involves showing where each character ends up after the events of the novel have transpired. Let’s take a look at some examples to get a better idea.
21 Examples of Resolution from popular books
Here are 21 examples of resolutions from popular books and short stories:
#1 The Catcher in the Rye
Holden Caulfield is discharged from an institution in California and decides to go live with his sister in New York.
This resolution is satisfying because it shows Holden finally getting the help he needs and moving on with his life.
#2 To Kill a Mockingbird
Tom Robinson is killed, Atticus is shot, and Scout and Jem are left to cope with the aftermath.
This resolution provides a sad and unsatisfying ending for all of the characters, leaving readers feeling heartbroken and empty.
#3 The Hunger Games
Katniss decides to marry and leaves District 12 with Peeta Mellark, her cousin Gale Hawthorne, her sister Primrose Everdeen, Finnick Odair, Mags, and several other people. The story ends when they board the train that will take them away from the war-torn districts into a more stable, peaceful life in District 13.
This is a great example of writing the resolution for a story because it uses all three steps mentioned above. First, Katniss kills the antagonist – President Snow, and becomes the new leader of District 13. Second, she ties up loose ends by having her friends from other districts come with her to live in District 13. Finally, the ending is satisfying because it provides enough closure for the reader.
#4 Skellig
Michael moves to a new house with his family and finds an abandoned, decrepit shed in the garden. Inside, he finds a man who is ill and on the brink of death.
This resolution is satisfying because it provides a sense of hope for Michael, and he can help the man recover and find redemption before he dies.
#5 Harry Potter
Harry defeats Voldemort and marries Ginny Weasley.
In this example, Harry can resolve most of the main conflicts presented by J.K Rowling’s books. This makes it a great resolution because he has finally won.
#6 The Great Gatsby
Jay Gatsby is shot and dies, Myrtle Wilson is killed in a hit-and-run accident, George Wilson kills Jay Gatsby, and Tom Buchanan is arrested for Myrtle’s death.
This resolution does not provide much closure for the characters or the reader, and it leaves many questions unanswered and feels unsatisfying.
#7 Animal Farm
The animals overthrow the farmer and establish a new society where all are equal. This resolution is satisfying because it provides a happy ending for the animals.
This example demonstrates how to write a resolution that provides closure and satisfaction for the reader.
#8 The Grapes of Wrath
Tom Joad is killed, but the family travels west and eventually finds a place to live.
This resolution leaves readers feeling satisfied because the Joads are finally able to find peace after all they’ve been through.
#9 The Call of Cthulhu
H.P Lovecraft never resolves this story, which is why it’s unsatisfying for readers
This is an example of not writing the resolution for a story, and it leaves readers feeling disappointed and frustrated because they never know what happens.
#10 The Lord of the Flies
Piggy is killed, Jack becomes the new leader, and Ralph is rescued
This resolution leaves readers feeling unsatisfied because it does not provide a good ending for any characters. It’s abrupt and feels rushed.
#11 The Cat in the Hat
The cat is caught, and everything goes back to normal
This resolution is unsatisfying because it does not provide any closure or explanation for what happened.
#12 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Aslan is resurrected and restores Narnia to its former glory in the final book.
This resolution is satisfying because it provides a happy ending for everyone in Narnia, including the main character.
#13 Little Women
Meg marries John Brooke, Beth dies, Amy marries Laurie, and Jo remains unmarried.
This resolution is unsatisfying because it does not provide a satisfying ending for all characters.
#14 One Hundred Years of Solitude
The Buendía family is gradually destroyed, and the townspeople abandon Macondo.
This resolution leaves readers feeling unsatisfied because it does not provide a happy ending for anyone in the story.
#15 The Odyssey
Odysseus returns home to Ithaca after enduring many challenges and defeats the suitors who have been trying to marry his wife, Penelope.
This resolution is satisfying because it provides a happy ending for Odysseus, Penelope, and their son Telemachus.
#16 Romeo and Juliet
Romeo kills himself, Juliet stabs herself, and Tybalt is killed.
This resolution leaves readers feeling unsatisfied because William Shakespeare does not provide a good ending for any characters.
#17 The Call of the Wild
The dog is killed, and Buck returns to his domesticated life
This resolution is unsatisfying because it does not provide a satisfying ending for the characters.
#18 Great Expectations
Pip is reunited with Estella, becomes wealthy, and marries her
This resolution provides a satisfying ending for Pip and leaves readers feeling happy.
#19 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Arthur Dent is saved from Earth’s destruction, meets Trillian, and travels through space with Ford Prefect.
This resolution provides a happy ending for Arthur Dent and satisfies readers.
#20 Wuthering Heights
Heathcliff dies, Cathy goes to heaven, Hareton and Catherine marry, and Hindley dies in poverty.
This resolution provides a satisfying ending for all of the characters in the story, and it leaves readers feeling happy and content.
#21 Pleading Guilty
The protagonist is found guilty and sent to prison
This resolution provides closure for the characters in the story and leaves readers feeling satisfied. It is an example of how to write a dark and depressing resolution.
These are just 21 examples of resolutions for stories. There are many other ways to write a satisfying ending for your tale, and each one provides different levels of closure and satisfaction for readers. Choose the right one for your story to ensure that it ends on a high note!
How to decide on the resolution for your own story
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the resolution for your story. Some of the most important ones include:
- The tone of your story
- The genre of your story
- The ending that feels most natural for your characters and plot
Consider all of these factors when making your decision, and be sure to choose one that will provide a satisfying conclusion for readers!
7 Tips for writing a satisfying resolution
If you’re struggling to write a satisfying resolution for your story, here are seven tips that can help:
Tip #01: Make sure all of the plot points are resolved
One of the most important things to remember when writing a resolution is that all plot points need to be resolved. This provides readers with closure and allows them to leave your story feeling satisfied. If you fail to do this, they may feel frustrated or confused.
Tip #02: Choose an ending that feels natural for your characters and plot
When choosing an ending, it’s important to choose one that feels natural for your characters and plot. If it doesn’t feel right, readers will be able to tell, and they won’t be happy with your resolution.
Tip #03: Consider the tone of your story
The tone of your story can play a big role in how satisfying your resolution is. If it’s dark and depressing, you may want to consider writing a resolution that provides closure but is also dark and depressing. If it’s light and humorous, you may want to consider writing a resolution that provides a happy ending. As a narrator, you can use the tone of your story to help guide you in deciding what kind of ending will provide a satisfying resolution.
Tip #04: Keep the genre of your story in mind
The genre of your story can also play a role in how satisfying your resolution is. For example, if you’re writing a mystery, you’ll want to make sure the solution is revealed in a way that readers find satisfactory. If you’re writing a romance, you’ll want to make sure the love story has a happy ending.
Tip #05: Pay attention to the pacing of your story
The pacing of your story can also play a role in how satisfying your resolution is. If you’re rushing through the ending, readers may feel unsatisfied with the resolution you provide. On the other hand, if you’re dragging out the ending, they may get bored or frustrated. Find a balance that works for your story and stick to it!
Tip #06: Let your characters dictate the resolution
Your characters should be at the center of your story’s resolution. Allow them to dictate how things end and let their choices determine the plot’s outcome. This will make readers feel like they’re along for the ride, and they’ll appreciate the resolution you provide all the more.
Tip #07: Be sure to tie up loose ends
One of the things that can frustrate readers the most is when they’re left with loose ends at the end of a story. Make sure you tie up all of the loose ends in your resolution, so readers can close the book on your story feeling satisfied.
9 Examples of weak resolutions and how to fix them
Now that we’ve gone over some tips for writing a satisfying resolution let’s look at six examples of weak resolutions and how to fix them.
Example #01: The protagonist doesn’t learn anything from the experience
Readers will feel cheated if your protagonist doesn’t learn anything from experience, and this is because they won’t feel like the story has resolved itself in a meaningful way. Make sure your protagonist grows or changes due to the events that transpired in your story.
Fix: Have your protagonist learn something valuable from the experience to help them grow as a person. This can be something concrete, like learning how to handle better difficult situations, or something more abstract, like understanding themselves better.
Example #02: The conflict is never resolved
If the conflict in your story isn’t resolved, readers will feel unsatisfied, and this is because they won’t be able to resolve the problem posed at the beginning of the story. Make sure you provide a resolution to the conflict in your resolution.
Fix: Have your protagonist resolve the conflict in a satisfying way. This may mean finding a middle ground that everyone can agree on, or it may mean one character emerging victorious over the other. As long as readers feel the conflict has been satisfactorily resolved, they’ll be happy.
Example #03: The ending feels rushed or tacked on
If the ending of your story feels rushed or tacked on, readers will feel unsatisfied, and this is because they won’t feel like the story has ended naturally. Make sure you take your time with the ending of your story and allow it to unfold in a way that feels organic.
Fix:
- Take your time with the ending of your story and make sure each scene leads naturally into the falling action.
- Allow readers to experience all the different emotions that come along with a satisfying resolution.
- If you’re feeling stuck, consider revisiting Tip #04 regarding genre and pacing.
Example #04: The ending is too predictable
If the ending of your story is too predictable, readers will feel unsatisfied. This is because they won’t be surprised by what happens, and they’ll feel like they’ve seen it all before. Make sure you throw in a few unexpected twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Fix: Throw in a few unexpected twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. This will help to prevent your ending from feeling too predictable. You can also revisit Tip #05 regarding genre and pacing to create a more suspenseful atmosphere.
Example #05: The ending is too convoluted
If the ending of your story is too convoluted, readers will feel unsatisfied. This is because they won’t be able to follow what’s happening, and they’ll feel like they’ve been dropped into the middle of a mess. Make sure you provide enough clarity so that readers can understand the resolution of your story.
Fix: Provide enough clarity so that readers can understand the resolution of your story. This may mean revisiting some earlier scenes and ensuring everything is explained properly. You can also use Tip #06 regarding exposition to help clear up any confusion.
Example #06: The ending doesn’t resolve all of the plot threads
If the ending of your story doesn’t resolve all of the plot threads, readers will feel unsatisfied. This is because they’ll be left with unanswered questions that will bother them long after they’ve finished reading your story. Make sure you tie up all of the loose ends in your resolution, so readers can close the book on your story feeling satisfied.
Fix: Tie up all of the loose ends in your resolution, so readers can close the book on your story feeling satisfied. This may mean revisiting some earlier scenes and ensuring everything is explained properly. You can also use Tip #06 regarding exposition to help clear up any confusion.
Example #07: The ending is too ambiguous
If the ending of your story is too ambiguous, readers will feel unsatisfied. This is because they won’t be able to make sense of what happened, and they’ll feel like they’ve been left in the dark. Make sure you provide enough clarity so that readers can understand the resolution of your story.
Fix: Provide enough clarity so that readers can understand the resolution of your story. This may mean revisiting some earlier scenes and ensuring everything is explained properly. You can also use Tip #06 regarding exposition to help clear up any confusion.
Example #08: The ending is unsatisfying
If the ending of your story is unsatisfying, readers will feel unsatisfied, and this is because they won’t feel like the conflict has been resolved in a way that feels satisfying. Make sure you take your time with the ending of your story and allow it to unfold in a way that feels organic.
Fix:
- Take your time with the ending of your story and make sure each scene leads naturally into the next.
- Allow readers to experience all the different emotions that come along with a satisfying resolution.
- If you’re feeling stuck, consider revisiting Tip #04 regarding genre and pacing.
Example #09: The ending is rushed
If the ending of your story is rushed, readers will feel unsatisfied. This is because they won’t have time to digest what’s happening properly, and they’ll feel like they’ve been cheated out of a proper resolution. Make sure you take your time with the ending of your story and allow it to unfold in a way that feels organic.
Fix:
- Take your time with the ending of your story and make sure each scene leads naturally into the next.
- Allow readers to experience all the different emotions that come along with a satisfying resolution.
- If you’re feeling stuck, consider revisiting Tip #04 regarding genre and pacing.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways to write the resolution of a story, and it is important to choose the right one for your tale to provide a satisfying conclusion for readers. Consider all of the factors listed above when making your decision, and be sure to choose wisely! Thanks for reading!
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