As time went on, movie makers realized that there might be better ways to end the story. Many had what became known as a "tag" line. The last sentence uttered tried to "put a button" on the whole story.

Casablanca:
"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Back to the Future:
"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!"

At some point, dramatic images either told us what the protagonist was feeling, or answered the question that we were all asking. Case in point: Planet of the Apes

Like beginnings, there are some traditional endings that can work well:

• And they all lived happily ever after.
• That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
• And from that day on, the monster (giant, devil, ogre) was never heard from again.
• ...but that's a story for a different time.

But is there a different approach the storyteller can take, other than merely telling us, "That's the end of my story"?

Endings in storytelling are crucial. They're almost more important than beginnings, as it is the last thing the audience hears. So, first of all, make sure we HEAR the ending. Don't let your voice trail off into the vapor.

Crafting an ending is not always easy. Here are some things to think about when pondering the end of the story

• Tell us how the character felt
  • I finally learned what it was like to have the shoe on the other foot!
• Tell us how the character(s) changed
  • From that moment on, Truth and Story always walked hand-in-hand.
• Reveal the answer to the question we have been asking
  • The baker shall be paid with the sound of the coins.
• Reveal the "surprise" we have been waiting for
  • And on their backs...each of the wives were carrying...their HUSBANDS!
• Give us a glimpse of the future
  • So he promised that every day he would tell her stories. And every day she listened, laughed and loved him even more.

​Think about your story. What's it about? What did you want the audience to know or feel? What can you say to us that will wrap up the story? Not necessarily in a pretty pink ribbon. But what will help give the audience closure, or at least closure for the moment. What will make us think about how the future will be?

Sometimes, be very careful here, you can ask the audience to decide: "And what do you think was in the boy's hand?" Make sure this type of ending question will not make them angry and wishing you had just told them.

And as always, PRACTICE your ending, out loud, over and over again.