Your story idea now contains a What Section and a Why Section. Time to write the ending.
Beginning the Ending
The main character must solve the problem. Therefore, to start the ending, say write Then I had an idea.
Task 6.11.1 – Small Group
Brainstorm at least five ways to stop the troublemaker. Each person must give at least one idea. You have three minutes. The most ideas wins a prize.
Task 6.11.2 – Small Group
Endings to Avoid
There are four things a good ending never does. We will start with three
Don’t just Stop
You can’t have your story end just stop. The problem must be solved.
Don’t let Someone Else Solve the Problem
In a good story, the main character is the hero who should fix the problem. If luck, God, or someone else fixes the problem, then it’s not as exciting.
The Story Cannot Be a Dream
Making the whole story a dream cheats the reader.
Task 6.11.3 – Small Group
Go through your ideas. Cross out any in which the story—
Just ends
Has someone other than the hero solve the problem
Was a dream (or part of a book)
Don’t Use Violence
Don’t have the hero punch or shoot someone. Those make for a boring ending.
Task 6.11.4 – Small Group
Cross out any brainstormed solutions that involve violence.
Task 6.11.5 – Small Group
Grade the remaining ideas.
A Listeners would likely say “Wow!” and it is consistent with the story.
B Listeners would not likely think of this AND it is consistent with the story.
C Listeners would likely think of this even though it is not an obvious solution.
Possible endings
I like best
Most Likely impress
Most humane
Total
Poss. End 1
Poss. End 2
Poss. End 3
Task 6.11.6 – Class
Create the solution.
Add a few sensory details to make listeners feel as if they are “there.”
