Stories of all kinds eventually come to a close, whether they are novels, short stories, films, or other narratives.
While “the end” is the most straightforward way to conclude a tale, there are many other terms and phrases authors can use to signal the finale of their story. In this piece, we will explore other ways to say “the end” in a story.
Phrases like the conclusion, the finale, and the resolution offer alternative language to mark the completion of the narrative. Other options like the denouement, the climax, and the epilogue have more specialized meanings related to the timing or nature of the ending.
But all serve the purpose of wrapping up the story and letting readers know they have reached the wrap-up and the curtain call. Using creative and vivid language to close out a narrative can make endings more compelling and memorable for audiences.
What To Say Instead of “The End” in a Story
- The conclusion
- The finale
- The close
- The resolution
- The denouement
- The finish
- The climax
- The curtain call
- The wrap-up
- The epilogue
1. The conclusion
“The conclusion” refers to the final part of a story where the main conflicts are typically resolved, and the story reaches its natural ending.
It wraps up the narrative, providing closure to the characters’ journeys and answering the reader’s lingering questions.
In academic or analytical writing, “the conclusion” is often used to denote the final analysis or summary of the events discussed.
Example:
After reading the conclusion of the novel, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that the protagonist had finally found peace after such a tumultuous journey.
2. The finale
“The finale” denotes the last part or performance in a sequence, often characterized by a dramatic end or the culmination of events.
It’s used in both storytelling and performance arts like music and theater to describe the concluding act that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Example:
The finale of the play was breathtaking, with all the characters coming together in a powerful scene that perfectly encapsulated the story’s themes.
3. The close
“The close” of a story signifies the endpoint, where the narrative ceases.
This term is often used in a more general sense to indicate the ending of various things, not just stories, but it’s equally effective in a narrative context to denote the winding down of events.
Example:
As we reached the close of her tale, it became clear that the journey was more about her personal growth than the adventure itself.
4. The resolution
“The resolution” in a story refers to the segment where conflicts are resolved, and the plot reaches a state of equilibrium.
It’s a critical part of the narrative structure, providing clarity and satisfaction to the storyline by tying up loose ends.
Example:
The resolution of the mystery novel was particularly clever, revealing the culprit in a twist that none of the readers saw coming.
5. The denouement
“The denouement” is a term borrowed from French that refers to the final part of a story where everything is unraveled and explained.
It’s the stage following the climax, where the consequences of the climax are dealt with, leading to the resolution of the storyline.
Example:
In the denouement of the story, we learn the true motives behind the protagonist’s actions, which cast the entire narrative in a new light.
6. The finish
“The finish” implies the end or conclusion of an event, activity, or in this case, a story. It’s a straightforward term that denotes the completion of something, often used to emphasize the finality of the conclusion.
Example:
With a dramatic twist at the finish, the novel left readers eagerly discussing the fate of their favorite characters.
7. The climax
“The climax” is the most intense, exciting, or important point of something, particularly in a narrative.
In the context of a story, it’s the turning point where the main conflict reaches its peak, often leading directly to the resolution.
Example:
The climax of the film was both thrilling and emotionally charged, perfectly setting up the story’s poignant conclusion.
8. The curtain call
“The curtain call” is a term originally from the theater, used to describe the moment when performers return to the stage after the conclusion of the performance to receive applause from the audience.
Metaphorically, it can be used to signify the end of a story or an event, highlighting the acknowledgment of the conclusion.
Example:
As the curtain call of her autobiography approached, the author provided a reflective epilogue that served as a farewell to her readers.
9. The wrap-up
“The wrap-up” refers to the concluding part of a story, meeting, or event where everything is brought together and finalized.
It’s often used to indicate the summarization and conclusion of discussions, projects, or narratives.
Example:
In the wrap-up session of the book club, members discussed the story’s ending and how it impacted their understanding of the characters.
10. The epilogue
“The epilogue” is a section or chapter at the end of a book, play, or narrative that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.
It’s often used to provide additional insight into the future of the characters or the aftermath of the story’s events.
Example:
The epilogue offers a glimpse into the protagonist’s life years after the main events of the story, providing a satisfying closure to her journey.