End with a Bang

I start off [my story] with a bang but end up with a whimper. Not sure what the problem is. Any suggestions?

The above is an email I received from one of the subscribers to my newsletter. Indeed, sometimes, the hardest part of telling a tale is to know when and how to stop! However, there is a very simple method to ensure how success in ending your tale appropriately. It helps you to divide up your story so that you put the right things in the right place. It is what I call 'the 3 Act Drama'. As this piece is all about how to end a story properly, it is with Act 3 of the drama we’re most interested. Nevertheless, for the sake of completeness, let me first tell you what Acts 1 and 2 are.

In Act 1, you would be wise to do the following:

• Introduce the main character and establish who he or she is.

• Introduce the rivals and the conflict.

• Show what is at stake.

• Paint your backdrop by setting the time of your story.

• Introduce your theme.

In Act 2, you catch your breath. Some of the things to do at this point are to enhance the themes – narrate a little about it. Perhaps you can show the different views of a particular theme here or even the ‘thinking’ process; i.e. how one view can be interpreted by different people in different ways. 

In Act 3, you tell the final part of your story which essentially means that you should quicken the pace a little. To keep your audience wanting more, you should make the ending one that demands immediate action.

The exact nature of this part of your story will vary, depending on what type of story you have chosen to tell. However, in most cases, the ending will be a final show-down between the hero and his rivals and enemies.

Don’t spoil it by rushing it through or not thinking enough about it. You have to strike the balance here. The chances are that your hero is going to win from a duel with his ‘enemies’. Whatever it is, you need to make sure that the end of your story strikes the right balance between satisfaction for your reader and continuing enthusiasm.

One of the most wonderful ways to enhance this part of the story is to introduce a time pressure to this part of the story. For example, the hero absolutely needs to get to his destination on time because if he does not, the heroine will die a terrible death.  

A most dramatic way to end a tale can also be to have it echo the beginning. For example, in the beginning of your story, your main character is scared of snakes. Now in this final chapter, he needs to get to the centre of an old ruin to rescue his lady-love as she has been kidnapped and is being held hostage. But his path is blocked by a nest of snakes and he has to overcome his fear. He has to conquer his phobia and inner demons.

You must now, in this final part of your story, also tie up all the loose ends. Do not leave any mysteries unsolved. Do remember to be realistic. A drug addict may have given up his habit long enough to overcome his human enemies but he cannot be rehabilitated overnight. So perhaps a more realistic ending is for him to been seen going to a rehabilitation centre or hospital of something along those lines.

With all of these in mind, your story is sure to end with a bang.