Lesson 4: Plot

Climax and Ending

Your story ends when all subplot problems and the main problem have been resolved in some way (not necessarily as the characters hoped.) Readers prefer a happy ending or one in which justice has been done. When this has been accomplished, stop writing. Well, you might give the readers a quick glance at the aftereffects, but don't drag it out, because their interest after the resolution is pretty much gone.

The climax of your story is the moment when the main conflict is resolved. If possible, organize your story so all conflicts, internal and external, subplot and main plot, are resolved in the same moment, through the same action.

Your readers want your characters to get what they want, but they don't want to expect it. They want to be surprised. Keep them in suspense, allow them to believe your characters might not succeed, right up to that climactic moment. Remember that a successful ending need not be the ending your characters hoped for.

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