Resolution of a Story: How to Write the Resolution of a Story

The resolution of a story is the conclusion of a story’s plot. Also known as the denouement, the resolution is a literary term for the final plot points that occur after a story’s [climax](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-compelling-climax-for-your-story) and falling action. A resolution can be a scene or series of scenes that tie a narrative arc together near the end of the story. Although stories resolve in a wide variety of ways, consider some of the traditional elements of a satisfying story resolution. 1. __The story’s main conflicts are resolved__. Stories typically conclude with the resolution of a central conflict . This central conflict between the protagonist and antagonist usually comes to a head during the climax of the story and gets resolved by the end. 2. __The character arcs are completed__. Throughout a story, the main character typically embarks on a series of challenges that transform them from beginning to end. Resolution is the part of the story where the main character comes to terms with their new internal, external, or philosophical revelations. 3. __Lingering questions are answered__. Although many stories end with ambiguous <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-plot-points-to-write-a-compelling-story' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-plot-points-to-write-a-compelling-story","linkCopy":"plot points","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>plot points , the resolution often ties up major loose ends and resolves subplots with minor characters. To learn more about how stories resolve, explore the endings of these literary examples. 1. __*The Great Gatsby* by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)__: Fitzgerald’s novel resolves after a tragic climax ushers in the narrator’s new perspective on the setting and characters of the story. 2. __“Cinderella” by the Brothers Grimm (1812)__: This folktale concludes with a happy ending for the main character, Cinderella, and a catastrophic ending for her antagonistic stepsisters. 3. __*Romeo and Juliet* by William Shakespeare (1597)__: In the final scene of the play, the families of the deceased Romeo and Juliet agree to end their family feud. This dynamic resolution includes a tragic ending for the main characters and a redemptive ending for the secondary characters. 4. __“Master and Man” by Leo Tolstoy (1895)__: Tolstoy concludes his short story with a brief summary of the remaining days of a peasant’s life after surviving the harrowing events of the main plot. To write a strong resolution to your story, consider the following tips. 1. __Identify your genre__. Different genres contain different kinds of expectations for the resolution of a story. Research the genre you’re writing and familiarize yourself with any tropes so you can confirm or subvert them in your resolution. 2. __Wrap up your plot__. Identify unanswered questions and loose ends throughout your story. Use resolution to reveal mysterious plot points and pay off narrative setups from the beginning of the story. 3. __Resolve your main character’s arc__. The resolution is a great place to highlight how your protagonist has changed throughout the story. To better understand how to conclude your main character’s arc, develop their needs, desires, and weaknesses. 4. __Clarify your story’s theme__. Pinpoint your story’s thematic question and use it as a guiding light for your resolution. Use your ending to reinforce your story’s central theme. 5. __Experiment with different resolution styles__. There are nearly endless ways you can resolve your story. Try several styles and techniques to discover the right conclusion for your narrative. For example, if you’re writing a [fantasy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-fantasy-novels) series, an unresolved ending with a cliffhanger may suit your story better than a traditional resolution. Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including James Patterson, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more. The resolution of a story ties the narrative arc together. Learn more about the key elements of a story’s resolution, examples of resolutions, and how to write your own ending.