Believe it or not, the ending of a story is just as important as the beginning, and can make or break the reader experience. This is because it’s the final thought that lingers long after the last page is turned. From happily-ever-after to an intense cliffhanger, story endings can come in many forms, each with a unique effect on the narrative and emotional impact. Different genres tend to utilize certain types of endings, influenced by audience expectations and common themes.
Here are seven different types of story endings with genre recommendations and popular examples for each:(Warning – spoiler alert!)
With a happy ending, everything concludes positively for the main characters. Any conflicts are resolved, love is found or rekindled, or peace is restored. Happy endings are practically a requirement in romance novels because readers expect the protagonists to overcome any obstacles and end up together. Many young adult novels feature happy endings to give young readers a sense of empowerment and optimism. In fantasy novels, the hero often triumphs over the villain in an epic battle, restoring balance to their world. Readers enjoy happy endings because they provide emotional satisfaction, a feeling of hope, and closure. There are two main types of happy endings:
Happily-ever-after
Happily-ever-after (HEA) implies a lasting, idealized state of happiness, often in a romantic relationship, with no foreseeable end to the joy.
Example:Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenElizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy reconcile their misunderstandings, and marry, finding happiness and mutual respect.
Happy-for-now
Happy-for-now (HFN) acknowledges a positive relationship or situation in the present moment, but with an understanding that future challenges or changes are possible that might affect that happiness.
Example:The Midnight Library by Matt HaigThe protagonist, Nora, explores alternate lives in a magical library, only to return to her original life with renewed appreciation. The future is unwritten, but there's emotional clarity, a fresh start, and a feeling of hope.
Popular Genres: romance, fantasy, and young adult
In a tragic ending, the story concludes with loss, death, or failure. The protagonist or someone close to them might die, or his or her goals remain unfulfilled. Tragic endings are common in literary fiction, where the emphasis is on realism, character development, and emotional depth rather than satisfying conclusions. They are also common in historical fiction where real-world tragedies bring authenticity to unhappy or sad endings. Horror stories often end in tragedy to create a lasting sense of unease, or to explore the darker aspects of human nature. Readers respond to tragic endings because they highlight the reality and fragility of life, evoking powerful emotions and reflection.
Examples:Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareRomeo, believing Juliet to be dead, drinks poison in her tomb. Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead beside her and, in despair, kills herself with his dagger. Their deaths are ultimately driven by miscommunication and family conflict.
The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenAfter a whirlwind romance marked by shared struggles with cancer, Hazel is left grieving Augustus, who dies before her.
Popular Genres: literary fiction, historical fiction, horror
Bittersweet endings are just like they sound, combining both happy and sad elements. The main character may achieve his or her goals, but at a cost. Bittersweet endings are common in dystopian fiction, where the main character may succeed individually, but society as a whole remains flawed. Some fantasy and historical stories end with a reflection on the cost of war or sacrifice. Endings in contemporary stories are often bittersweet, mirroring real-life decisions and consequences. These types of endings appeal to readers because they strike a balance between realism and hope; readers walk away feeling satisfied, even if some things don’t end well.
Examples:The Book Thief by Markus ZusakLiesel survives the bombing that kills her loved ones, and while she experiences profound loss, she eventually builds a new life. It’s bittersweet because it balances immense tragedy with the enduring power of words, memory, and human resilience.
Me Before You by Jojo MoyesWill Traynor, despite falling in love with his caregiver Louisa Clark, chooses to end his life through assisted suicide. Will leaves Louisa a substantial inheritance to inspire her to live a full life.
Popular Genres: romance, fantasy, historical fiction, young adult
An ambiguous ending is when the story concludes without a clear resolution. The reader is left to interpret what happens next or what certain events meant. Ambiguity can work well in stories dealing with abstract or philosophical concepts, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. Suspense and thrillers sometimes leave key questions unanswered to maintain tension even after the book ends. Ambiguous endings often invite reader engagement and deeper interpretation, making it a favorite for book club discussions. The risk of this type of ending is that it can be frustrating to some readers.
Examples:Leave the World Behind by Rumaan AlamThis apocalyptic thriller ends with unanswered questions about the fate of the characters and the world at large. Readers are left in suspense about what exactly has happened, heightening the tension and philosophical undertones.
Life of Pi by Yann MartelTwo possible stories are told—one fantastical, one brutal—raising the question of what truth really means and whether belief in a more imaginative, spiritual version of reality is just as valid as a factual one. This leaves it unclear which version is "true," challenging readers to decide what they believe.
Popular Genres: literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller
With a surprise twist ending, there is an unexpected event or revelation that changes the reader’s understanding of the story or characters. A well-executed twist can elevate a story from good to unforgettable. The mystery and crime genres thrive on misdirection and revelation, making them a natural fit for a surprise twist ending. In psychological thrillers, an unexpected turn can heighten the sense of danger and keep readers on edge. Horror stories often add a final jolt of fear or dread by hitting the reader with something unexpected.
Examples:Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnIn a stunning reversal, Amy, who is presumed dead, reveals herself to be alive and the mastermind behind her own disappearance, framing her husband Nick for her murder as revenge for his infidelity.
Verity by Colleen HooverJust when readers believe they understand the disturbing truth about the manuscript and its author, Verity reveals another competing version of the truth. The letter says that the autobiography she wrote was a fictional exercise in “antagonistic journaling,” or writing from the perspective of a villain.
Popular Genres: mystery, thriller, suspense, horror
In a cliffhanger ending, the story concludes without resolving all of the conflicts, hinting at future developments. Cliffhangers are most often used to set up a sequel or series continuation. These open-ended conclusions create anticipation and encourage readers to follow the author for updates on the next installment. They do, however, require careful balance so the book can still stand on its own and not feel incomplete. In addition, the main character must be very likable and relatable to keep readers engaged through multiple books. Young adult series often end books on a dramatic note to drive anticipation, while mysteries and crime stories heighten the intrigue by leaving the reader with unanswered questions about a crime, a suspect, or the overall plot.
Examples:The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsKatniss and Peeta win the Hunger Games by threatening suicide rather than killing each other, forcing the Capitol to declare them joint victors. She realizes her defiance may have serious consequences and lead to a larger rebellion.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg LarssonMikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander uncover shocking truths about the Vanger family’s dark past, but the full extent of the conspiracy and Lisbeth’s complicated history remain unresolved, leaving readers eager to see how these revelations will impact their futures.
Popular Genres: science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, young adult
With circular endings, the story concludes in a way that mirrors its beginning, showing the main character back where they started—but changed. Circular endings offer satisfying symmetry and reinforce the story’s core messages or evolution for readers. Reflective endings also emphasize the story’s themes and character growth, with the added element of the main character contemplating their journey and evolution. Character-driven stories that focus on the inner journey as much as the outer journey often include circular or reflective endings. These endings can resonate with readers, prompting them to consider the characters' journeys, the story's message, and their own experiences.
Examples:The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoAfter a long spiritual journey, Santiago discovers that the treasure he sought was back where he began, reinforcing the idea that true wealth is in the journey, not the destination.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerHolden Caulfield ends up in a mental institution, reflecting on his experiences after a period of intense emotional turmoil and alienation. His concluding thoughts reveal a shift in his perspective on his experiences and the people he encountered during his journey.
Popular Genres: literary fiction, historical fiction
There is no “right” way to end a story—only that it fits the author’s goals, themes, and genre conventions. While readers may gravitate toward certain endings, the most impactful conclusions are those that resonate emotionally and make the narrative feel complete. Whether a story ends in triumph, tragedy, mystery, or reflection, the right ending can turn a story into something unforgettable.
Photo credit: DaveBolton from Getty Images
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