What are some great endings to short stories?

One great ending is a full circle moment. For example, in 'The Odyssey', Odysseus returns home after his long journey, reclaiming his kingdom and his family. It gives a sense of closure and completion. Another is a self - sacrifice that leads to a greater good. Like in some heroic tales where the hero gives up their life to save their people. This type of ending often leaves a deep emotional impact on the reader.

Try 'The Magic Hat'. A person puts on a supposed magic hat and strange things happen that lead to a really funny ending. The charm is in the buildup and the final twist.

A reconciliation can also make a great short story ending. Let's say two friends had a huge fight and the story was about their estrangement. In the end, they meet, have an honest conversation, and forgive each other. This type of ending leaves the reader with a warm, fuzzy feeling of restored relationships.

A happy reunion can also make a great short - story ending. Say two friends had a big fight and parted ways. Throughout the story, they both realize how much they miss each other. In the end, they accidentally meet in a place that has special meaning to them and they hug, forgive each other, and their friendship is restored. This type of ending tugs at the heartstrings and leaves the reader with a warm feeling.

One possible ending could be a happy one, like the main character achieving their long - sought goal. For example, in a story about a young artist, the ending might be that they finally have their work displayed in a famous gallery.

One common ending is the happy ending, where the protagonist achieves their goal, like getting the girl or winning a competition. For example, in many romantic short stories, the couple overcomes all obstacles and lives happily ever after. Another ending could be a tragic one, such as the death of the main character due to their own flaws or external circumstances. In some mystery short stories, there is an unexpected ending where the true culprit is revealed in a surprising way, completely different from what the reader might have expected.

You can also create a great ending by tying back to the beginning. Maybe there was a particular object or statement in the opening of the story. Returning to it in a new light at the end can create a sense of closure. For instance, if the story starts with a broken locket, at the end, the character finally fixes the locket and it symbolizes their own personal growth or the resolution of a relationship.

One famous short story with an ambiguous ending is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. At the end, we know that Tessie Hutchinson has been selected in the lottery, but what exactly the lottery is for and why it still exists in the village is left unclear. Another is 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway. The conversation between the man and the woman about the 'operation' is never fully resolved, leaving readers to wonder about their relationship and the decision they will make.

A bittersweet ending can also work well. Maybe the protagonist sacrifices themselves to save the fantasy world but in doing so, they leave behind a legacy. The world is saved, but their friends and family must now live without them. Like a knight who gives his life to seal a rift to the underworld, and his name becomes a legend that lives on, inspiring future generations.

One good twist ending could be that the person the protagonist has been helping throughout the story is actually the villain who has been manipulating events all along. For example, in a story where a detective is helping a seemingly innocent witness, at the end it's revealed that the witness set up the whole crime just to get revenge on someone and used the detective to cover their tracks.