- 1). Close with a dialogue. Many great novels have ended through the use of dialogue. A central character says something touching, intelligent or funny, and you close the book feeling entirely satisfied. Dialogue is a strong way to finish your story as long as it is done effectively. One of the most common and arguably the strongest type of dialogue used to end your novel is closure. This means using dialogue to give your readers an indication that your story is over, a sense of completeness. This is often used in theatre and in film, and is just as powerful when used in novels. An example of an effective final phrase might be "Let's go home brother, it's been too long!" If you opt for the use of dialogue to close your novel, do not leave questions unanswered and situations unexplained.
- 2). Close with prose. This is a very common and popular way to end a novel as it gives the writer a chance to say everything that needs to be said. As one example, you may wish to end your novel with the addition of an epilogue. This is a chance to explain the outcome of your story, after the finishing scene has taken place. An epilogue might describe the situation a week, a month or a decade after your final chapter. If you do not want to include an epilogue to finish with, you can bring it to an end through the present. The characters have faced the conflict and found the solution, which means you are not left with much else to say. It is more effective to close your novel sharply and promptly than to drag it on with meaningless and weightless words.
- 3). Close with a cliffhanger. This is not wise, unless you have a sequel to your novel in mind. It is often the case that the writer will close a novel with a cliffhanger to leave the reader eager for more, and to insure that any future sequels will be sought out and purchased. Be cautious and make sure there is no danger of frustrating or annoying your readers. If you leave them confused and frustrated at the end of a novel, despite the promise of a sequel and the use of a good cliffhanger, they may give up on you as a writer. Even by ending with a cliffhanger, it is advisable that other loose ends should be tied up and explained. The mystery of your cliffhanger will leave the reader wanting more, but other unanswered questions will just leave the reader unsatisfied.
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