Discussing the Story's Ending

Have you ever finished a book and felt really happy — or maybe a little disappointed — about how it ended? That feeling is worth talking about! Discussing a story's ending helps you understand it more deeply and builds your critical thinking.

What is the RESOLUTION?

• The resolution is the part of the story where the problem is solved.
• It usually happens near the end — after the climax, the most exciting or difficult moment.
• Ask: "What was the problem? How was it solved? Who solved it, and how?"
• Example: In a story where a lost puppy can't find its way home, the resolution might be that a kind child finds the puppy's tag and returns it.

Was the ending SATISFYING?

• A satisfying ending feels right — the problem is solved, the characters feel settled, and the story feels complete.
• An unsatisfying ending can feel rushed, surprising, unfair, or unfinished.
• Surprising endings can be good too — some authors choose them on purpose!
• To evaluate, ask: "Did the ending match what was set up in the beginning and middle? Did the character change or learn something?"

Imagining an ALTERNATIVE ending

• An alternative ending is a different version you create — what if the story ended another way?
• A good alternative ending must still fit the characters and setting — it cannot suddenly introduce magic if the story was realistic!
• Starter phrases: "What if instead… / Another ending could be… / I would have preferred…"