1. Closure and Resolution:

Consideration:

• Closure: Provide a sense of closure to the main story elements and character arcs.
• Resolution: Resolve major conflicts or unanswered questions to satisfy reader expectations.

Strategy:

• Tie up Loose Ends: Ensure that all essential plot points and character arcs find resolution.
• Create Finality: Conclude the story with a clear sense that this narrative has reached its intended destination.

2. Twists and Surprises:

Consideration:

• Unexpected Reveals: Introduce twists or surprises that challenge reader expectations.
• Reinterpretation: Reveal information that changes the reader's understanding of the story.

Strategy:

• Foreshadowing: Plant subtle hints throughout the story to make the twist believable yet unexpected.
• Relevance: Ensure that the twist enhances the overall meaning of the story rather than feeling forced.

3. Open-Ended Ambiguity:

Consideration:

• Ambiguity: Leave certain aspects of the story open to interpretation.
• Reader Engagement: Invite readers to contemplate possible outcomes and draw their conclusions.

Strategy:

• Selective Ambiguity: Choose specific elements to leave ambiguous, allowing readers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level.
• Symbolism: Use symbolism and metaphor to convey layers of meaning without explicitly stating the resolution.

4. Circular Endings:

Consideration:

• Returning to the Beginning: Conclude the story by referencing or revisiting elements from the opening.
• Narrative Full Circle: Create a sense of unity by connecting the ending to the story's initial setup.

Strategy:

• Symbolic Echoes: Use recurring themes, images, or motifs to create a circular structure.
• Emotional Impact: Make the return to the beginning emotionally resonant, emphasizing character growth or transformation.

5. Character Arc Completion:

Consideration:

• Character Development: Ensure that the main characters undergo meaningful growth or change.
• Closure for Characters: Offer resolution to character arcs, addressing their internal conflicts.

Strategy:

• Reflective Moments: Allow characters to reflect on their journey, emphasizing lessons learned or internal transformations.
• Consistent Growth: Ensure that character development aligns with the overall theme and tone of the story.

6. Emotional Resonance:

Consideration:

• Emotional Impact: Evoke strong emotions in readers, leaving a lasting impression.
• Catharsis: Allow readers to experience a sense of catharsis or emotional release.

Strategy:

• Empathy: Connect readers emotionally to the characters and their experiences.
• Tonal Consistency: Ensure that the ending aligns with the emotional tone established throughout the story.

7. Message or Reflection:

Consideration:

• Central Theme: Revisit the story's central theme or message in the conclusion.
• Reader Reflection: Prompt readers to reflect on the story's broader implications.

Strategy:

• Subtle Recapitulation: Summarize the main theme without overtly stating it, allowing readers to draw connections.
• Philosophical Closure: Conclude with a thought-provoking statement that lingers in the reader's mind.