writing a conclusion to a narrative

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The Perfect Ending: Concluding the Narrative Essay

Concluding a narrative essay can be a challenge for experienced and beginning writers alike. Writers often fall into the trap of tying the narrative up too  neatly, telling the readers what they are supposed to take away from their story instead of letting the reader come to their own conclusions. Study a few essays from some of the great writers and notice how they conclude their stories. Often the ending to their narratives is left ambiguous; the reader isn’t exactly sure how everything will turn out. The reader should be left with a sense of closure, without being told how or what to feel. 

Conclude with an Image

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Show, don’t tell”? Showing an image puts a visual in the reader’s mind, an effective way to conclude without telling too much. Showing an image prevents you from telling  your feelings, which, in most cases, you want to avoid. In the essay “Buckeye,” Scott Russell Sanders uses the image of a grazing deer to conclude his narrative:

. . . within a few paces of a grazing deer, close enough to see the delicate lips, the twitching nostrils, the glossy, fathomless eyes.

This lyrical conclusion comes from “Bathing,” as writer Kathryn Winograd shows the last moments of her bath:

The wind sings through the window like a siren, and the steam floats from my skin like milk.

Conclude in the Action

Show yourself in action. Move. Do something, anything, to avoid telling the reader how happy, or sad, or hopeful you are in the end. Look at something, and walk away, as Edward Hoagland does in “The Courage of Turtles”: But since, short of diving in after him, there was nothing I could do, I walked away.

Or look at something, and become mesmerized. A chapter from the classic memoir, Stop Time by Frank Conroy, “Yo-Yo Going Down, a Mad Squirrel Coming Up,” shows a young Conroy as he watches a girl through a window:

That same night, hidden in the greenery under the window, I watched a naked girl let down her long red hair.

Conclude with Dialogue

Dialogue can be tricky to conclude with, but can work if it avoids a message or moral. You’ll only want to use this concluding technique if it has been maintained in the narrative; you probably don’t want to throw in spoken word if we haven’t heard anyone speak up until that point.

David Sedaris, in his essay, “Cyclops,” ends with the voice of his father, who is the main character in this essay: “I don’t know where you got it from, but in the end, it’s going to kill you.”

The following brief reply, taken from Jo Ann Beard’s “The Fourth State of Matter,” shows an image, followed by unquoted dialogue. Beard uses italics instead:

Around my neck is the stone he brought me from Poland. I hold it out. Like this? I ask. Shards of fly wings, suspended in amber. Exactly , he says.

Another example below comes again from Scott Russell Sanders, this from “Cloud Crossing,” as his toddler son babbles:

“Moon,” he is piping from the back seat, “moon, moon!”

Conclude by Reflecting

When used well, reflection is a great way to convey feelings without telling the reader how you felt – or how they should feel. Reflection offers the writer’s thoughts about what is happening or has happened. Reflection can include thoughts about the moment or thoughts looking back, about the experience. Reflection can add clarity, as we see the writer thinking through the experience. This concluding moment is from James Baldwin’s, “Notes of a Native Son”:

. . . I wished that he had been beside me so that I could have searched his face for the answers which only the future would give me now.

Bret Lott, in his short essay, “Brothers,” reflects on childhood memories of his family, taking him into the present with his own two sons:

What I believe is this: That pinch was entry into our childhood; my arm around him, our smiling, is the proof of us two surfacing, alive but not unscathed. And here are my own two boys, already embarked.

In Conclusion

When writing your own conclusion, think about what you want your readers to take away from your story. Then think about how best you can show it. You seldom can go wrong with images. Dialogue is a great way to let a character have the last word. Ending with reflection, sharing thoughts or feelings, works when a bit more needs to be said. Think about what feeling, emotion, or question you want to leave your readers with, the take-away, then choose the type of conclusion that best suits the narrative. It’s not unusual to actually write the conclusion first, and it often serves as a road map to get the narrative where it needs to go. Taking time to carefully craft a conclusion can make or break your narrative.

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How to Write a Narrative Essay Conclusion

Students typically experience panic attacks or feelings of hopelessness just by hearing the word “essay.” It takes a lot of effort to write an extended, thoughtful essay. This is regardless of whether you are writing a descriptive, argumentative, expository, or narrative essay. Nothing, however, might be more stressful than finishing your piece only to struggle with your conclusion.

For seasoned authors and brand-new writers alike, concluding a narrative essay can be problematic. Remember, the essay’s subject must have emotional resonance for the writer to make it meaningful and for the readership to appreciate why it is essential to them. The conclusion must serve this purpose excellently too.

Therefore, there is a dire need to understand how to write a compelling conclusion for your narrative. Please read on to learn how to write a narrative essay conclusion.

One might envision narrating a story when composing a narrative essay. These articles frequently use personal, experiential, and observational experiences. Contrary to most academic writing, this form of composition and a descriptive essay allows you to express yourself creatively and personally.

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Your capacity to convey experiences in a unique and captivating way, and adhere to the proper narrative structure, will be put to the test in a narrative essay. Such articles are typical in composition classes at universities or in high schools.

Also see: How long should a conclusion be in an essay? 

The ending of a narrative essay is similar to that of other pieces in that it conveys a sense of awakening, a flash of inspiration, understanding, insight, and enlightenment. It ensures the audience can relate to the revelation you are trying to impart. Therefore, such a conclusion must ultimately persuade the reader to follow your sentiments.

Tips on how to write a narrative essay conclusion

Below are essential tips to guide you in composing an impactful and persuasive conclusion for your narrative essay. Please take note and benefit from them.

Capture Emotion

In the same way you draw the reader in with an intriguing hook, you should maintain their interest throughout your conclusion. Nobody enjoys reading a good narrative that ends poorly! A strong ending leaves your reader thrilled and gives your narrative essay a sense of completion.

Capturing feelings or emotions is one method of concluding a narrative essay. To get your reader emotionally invested in your story, you can either reflect on your feelings over an experience or appeal to their sense of compassion.

If you are penning about a devastating thing you learnt, don’t be a frigid fish. If you learnt a lesson regarding uncomfortable situations, don’t forget to include the shame (or comedy). What effects did your activities have on you? Similarly, include your character’s feelings if you’re creating fiction.

A Summary of your Main Ideas

Writing a summary is among the most popular ways to end a narrative essay. Summaries of the important points are included. This does not imply that you redo the entire narrative throughout the paper in conclusion. This would be pointless and would divert attention from your message. Instead, cite a few of the crucial incidents and learnings from the article.

For example, consider the scenario of writing a narrative essay outlining your first day of college. Summarize some of the lessons you learnt from what transpired that day in your concluding paragraph, to sum up. Make sure you summarize how that first day of college went in just a few phrases. Additionally, describe the insight you received from the event.

Showcase the Moral of the Narrative

Every narrative, whether real or made up, has a moral that the writer or one of the characters discovers through meditation. If you are drafting one paragraph, your concluding comment should clarify that point abundantly. The thesis statement in a paper or the hook in a news piece would be analogous to the moral lesson in a narrative.

Your argument or point is made clear with a moral lesson. But it must have all of the previously listed components, including reflection, emotion, and analysis. The ending to your narrative essay should be outstanding if you have observed these recommendations.

Review the Narrative’s Significance

You definitely care about the story you’ve written since; otherwise, you would have penned about another subject. That does not necessarily imply that other individuals are interested as well. Take into account the so what question, which every reader has the right to ask.

Examine the significance of the events for yourself, and determine why anyone else could be interested. Is this a shared experience that we have all had? Is it a storyline with multiple layers of meaning that can be told? Is that a humorous example of proverbial common sense?

Conclude With a Reflection

You can consider reflecting on the story as a whole if you feel like a summary of events doesn’t fit well with the rest of your article. Reflection entails seriously considering and giving careful thought to the story.

Consider a reflection of a more powerful version of the understanding provided in summary. If you’re thinking back on the entire story, you should elaborate more than just saying you learnt how to overcome challenges. Take it a step further and state your resolutions or a basic life philosophy that you have come to that might shape your future undertakings.

Finish by describing the things you’d do differently if the circumstance arose again. Furthermore, you may offer recommendations to individuals who experience a similar issue.

Remember, never dictate to the reader how to feel. A narrative essay’s conclusion ought to be resonant rather than prescriptive. You’ll notice that the scriptwriter or director does not instruct the audience to feel joy or sadness after a movie. Similar principles apply to the conclusion of a narrative essay.

Consider what you wish your audience to learn from your narrative when composing an essay. It is why it’s vital to learn how to write a narrative essay conclusion. Note that it is common to start writing the ending first, which frequently acts as a roadmap for the story.

How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

By the time you get to the final paragraph of your paper, you have already done so much work on your essay, so all you want to do is to wrap it up as quickly as possible. You’ve already made a stunning introduction, proven your argument, and structured the whole piece as supposed – who cares about making a good conclusion paragraph?

The only thing you need to remember is that the conclusion of an essay is not just the last paragraph of an academic paper where you restate your thesis and key arguments. A concluding paragraph is also your opportunity to have a final impact on your audience. 

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How to write a conclusion paragraph that leaves a lasting impression – In this guide, the team at EssayPro is going to walk you through the process of writing a perfect conclusion step by step. Additionally, we will share valuable tips and tricks to help students of all ages impress their readers at the last moment.

Instead of Intro: What Is a Conclusion?

Before we can move on, let’s take a moment here to define the conclusion itself. According to the standard conclusion definition, it is pretty much the last part of something, its result, or end. However, this term is rather broad and superficial.

When it comes to writing academic papers, a concluding statement refers to an opinion, judgment, suggestion, or position arrived at by logical reasoning (through the arguments provided in the body of the text). Therefore, if you are wondering “what is a good closing sentence like?” – keep on reading.

What Does a Good Conclusion Mean?

Writing a good conclusion for a paper isn’t easy. However, we are going to walk you through this process step by step. Although there are generally no strict rules on how to formulate one, there are some basic principles that everyone should keep in mind. In this section, we will share some core ideas for writing a good conclusion, and, later in the article, we will also provide you with more practical advice and examples.

Here are the core goals a good conclusion should complete:

• “Wrap up” the entire paper;
• Demonstrate to readers that the author accomplished what he/she set out to do;
• Show how you the author has proved their thesis statement;
• Give a sense of completeness and closure on the topic;
• Leave something extra for your reader to think about;
• Leave a powerful final impact on a reader.

Another key thing to remember is that you should not introduce any new ideas or arguments to your paper's conclusion. It should only sum up what you have already written, revisit your thesis statement, and end with a powerful final impression.

When considering how to write a conclusion that works, here are the key points to keep in mind:

• A concluding sentence should only revisit the thesis statement, not restate it;
• It should summarize the main ideas from the body of the paper;
• It should demonstrate the significance and relevance of your work;
• An essay’s conclusion should include a call for action and leave space for further study or development of the topic (if necessary).

How Long Should a Conclusion Be? 

Although there are no strict universal rules regarding the length of an essay’s final clause, both teachers and experienced writers recommend keeping it clear, concise, and straight to the point. There is an unspoken rule that the introduction and conclusion of an academic paper should both be about 10% of the overall paper’s volume. For example, if you were assigned a 1500 word essay, both the introductory and final clauses should be approximately 150 words long (300 together).

Why You Need to Know How to End an Essay:

A conclusion is what drives a paper to its logical end. It also drives the main points of your piece one last time. It is your last opportunity to impact and impress your audience. And, most importantly, it is your chance to demonstrate to readers why your work matters. Simply put, the final paragraph of your essay should answer the last important question a reader will have – “So what?”

If you do a concluding paragraph right, it can give your readers a sense of logical completeness. On the other hand, if you do not make it powerful enough, it can leave them hanging, and diminish the effect of the entire piece.

Strategies to Crafting a Proper Conclusion

Although there are no strict rules for what style to use to write your conclusion, there are several strategies that have been proven to be effective. In the list below, you can find some of the most effective strategies with some good conclusion paragraph examples to help you grasp the idea.

One effective way to emphasize the significance of your essay and give the audience some thought to ponder about is by taking a look into the future. The “When and If” technique is quite powerful when it comes to supporting your points in the essay’s conclusion.

Prediction essay conclusion example: “Taking care of a pet is quite hard, which is the reason why most parents refuse their children’s requests to get a pet. However, the refusal should be the last choice of parents. If we want to inculcate a deep sense of responsibility and organization in our kids, and, at the same time, sprout compassion in them, we must let our children take care of pets.”

Another effective strategy is to link your conclusion to your introductory paragraph. This will create a full-circle narration for your readers, create a better understanding of your topic, and emphasize your key point.

Echo conclusion paragraph example: Introduction: “I believe that all children should grow up with a pet. I still remember the exact day my parents brought my first puppy to our house. This was one of the happiest moments in my life and, at the same time, one of the most life-changing ones. Growing up with a pet taught me a lot, and most importantly, it taught me to be responsible.” Conclusion:. “I remember when I picked up my first puppy and how happy I was at that time. Growing up with a pet, I learned what it means to take care of someone, make sure that he always has water and food, teach him, and constantly keep an eye on my little companion. Having a child grow up with a pet teaches them responsibility and helps them acquire a variety of other life skills like leadership, love, compassion, and empathy. This is why I believe that every kid should grow up with a pet!”

Finally, one more trick that will help you create a flawless conclusion is to amplify your main idea or to present it in another perspective of a larger context. This technique will help your readers to look at the problem discussed from a different angle.

Step-up argumentative essay conclusion example: “Despite the obvious advantages of owning a pet in childhood, I feel that we cannot generalize whether all children should have a pet. Whereas some kids may benefit from such experiences, namely, by becoming more compassionate, organized, and responsible, it really depends on the situation, motivation, and enthusiasm of a particular child for owning a pet.”

What is a clincher in an essay? – The final part of an essay’s conclusion is often referred to as a clincher sentence. According to the clincher definition, it is a final sentence that reinforces the main idea or leaves the audience with an intriguing thought to ponder upon. In a nutshell, the clincher is very similar to the hook you would use in an introductory paragraph. Its core mission is to seize the audience’s attention until the end of the paper. At the same time, this statement is what creates a sense of completeness and helps the author leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Now, since you now know what a clincher is, you are probably wondering how to use one in your own paper. First of all, keep in mind that a good clincher should be intriguing, memorable, smooth, and straightforward.

Generally, there are several different tricks you can use for your clincher statement; it can be:

• A short, but memorable and attention-grabbing conclusion;
• A relevant and memorable quote (only if it brings actual value);
• A call to action;
• A rhetorical question;
• An illustrative story or provocative example;
• A warning against a possibility or suggestion about the consequences of a discussed problem;
• A joke (however, be careful with this as it may not always be deemed appropriate).

Regardless of the technique you choose, make sure that your clincher is memorable and aligns with your introduction and thesis.

Clincher examples: - While New York may not be the only place with the breathtaking views, it is definitely among my personal to 3… and that’s what definitely makes it worth visiting. - “Thence we came forth to rebehold the stars”, Divine Comedy - Don’t you think all these advantages sound like almost life-saving benefits of owning a pet? “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”, The Great Gatsby

Conclusion Writing Don'ts 

Now, when you know what tricks and techniques you should use to create a perfect conclusion, let’s look at some of the things you should not do with our online paper writing service :

• Starting with some cliché concluding sentence starters. Many students find common phrases like “In conclusion,” “Therefore,” “In summary,” or similar statements to be pretty good conclusion starters. However, though such conclusion sentence starters may work in certain cases – for example, in speeches – they are overused, so it is recommended not to use them in writing to introduce your conclusion.
• Putting the first mention of your thesis statement in the conclusion – it has to be presented in your introduction first.
• Providing new arguments, subtopics, or ideas in the conclusion paragraph.
• Including a slightly changed or unchanged thesis statement.
• Providing arguments and evidence that belong in the body of the work.
• Writing too long, hard to read, or confusing sentences.

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Conclusion Paragraph Outline

The total number of sentences in your final paragraph may vary depending on the number of points you discussed in your essay, as well as on the overall word count of your paper. However, the overall conclusion paragraph outline will remain the same and consists of the following elements:

• A conclusion starter:

The first part of your paragraph should drive readers back to your thesis statement. Thus, if you were wondering how to start a conclusion, the best way to do it is by rephrasing your thesis statement.

• Summary of the body paragraphs:

Right after revisiting your thesis, you should include several sentences that wrap up the key highlights and points from your body paragraphs. This part of your conclusion can consist of 2-3 sentences—depending on the number of arguments you’ve made. If necessary, you can also explain to the readers how your main points fit together.

• A concluding sentence:

Finally, you should end your paragraph with a last, powerful sentence that leaves a lasting impression, gives a sense of logical completeness, and connects readers back to the introduction of the paper.

These three key elements make up a perfect essay conclusion. Now, to give you an even better idea of how to create a perfect conclusion, let us give you a sample conclusion paragraph outline with examples from an argumentative essay on the topic of “Every Child Should Own a Pet:

• Sentence 1: Starter
• ~ Thesis: "Though taking care of a pet may be a bit challenging for small children. Parents should not restrict their kids from having a pet as it helps them grow into more responsible and compassionate people."
• ~ Restated thesis for a conclusion: "I can say that taking care of a pet is good for every child."
• Sentences 2-4: Summary
• ~ "Studies have shown that pet owners generally have fewer health problems."
• ~ "Owning a pet teaches a child to be more responsible."
• ~ "Spending time with a pet reduces stress, feelings of loneliness, and anxiety."
• Sentence 5: A concluding sentence
• ~ "Pets can really change a child life for the better, so don't hesitate to endorse your kid's desire to own a pet."

This is a clear example of how you can shape your conclusion paragraph.

How to Conclude Various Types of Essays

Depending on the type of academic essay you are working on, your concluding paragraph's style, tone, and length may vary. In this part of our guide, we will tell you how to end different types of essays and other works.

How to End an Argumentative Essay

Persuasive or argumentative essays always have the single goal of convincing readers of something (an idea, stance, or viewpoint) by appealing to arguments, facts, logic, and even emotions. The conclusion for such an essay has to be persuasive as well. A good trick you can use is to illustrate a real-life scenario that proves your stance or encourages readers to take action. More about persuasive essay outline you can read in our article.

Here are a few more tips for making a perfect conclusion for an argumentative essay:

• Carefully read the whole essay before you begin;
• Re-emphasize your ideas;
• Discuss possible implications;
• Don’t be afraid to appeal to the reader’s emotions.

How to End a Compare and Contrast Essay

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to emphasize the differences or similarities between two or more objects, people, phenomena, etc. Therefore, a logical conclusion should highlight how the reviewed objects are different or similar. Basically, in such a paper, your conclusion should recall all of the key common and distinctive features discussed in the body of your essay and also give readers some food for thought after they finish reading it.

How to Conclude a Descriptive Essay

The key idea of a descriptive essay is to showcase your creativity and writing skills by painting a vivid picture with the help of words. This is one of the most creative types of essays as it requires you to show a story, not tell it. This kind of essay implies using a lot of vivid details. Respectively, the conclusion of such a paper should also use descriptive imagery and, at the same time, sum up the main ideas. A good strategy for ending a descriptive essay would be to begin with a short explanation of why you wrote the essay. Then, you should reflect on how your topic affects you. In the middle of the conclusion, you should cover the most critical moments of the story to smoothly lead the reader into a logical closing statement. The “clincher”, in this case, should be a thought-provoking final sentence that leaves a good and lasting impression on the audience. Do not lead the reader into the essay and then leave them with dwindling memories of it.

How to Conclude an Essay About Yourself

If you find yourself writing an essay about yourself, you need to tell a personal story. As a rule, such essays talk about the author’s experiences, which is why a conclusion should create a feeling of narrative closure. A good strategy is to end your story with a logical finale and the lessons you have learned, while, at the same time, linking it to the introductory paragraph and recalling key moments from the story.

How to End an Informative Essay

Unlike other types of papers, informative or expository essays load readers with a lot of information and facts. In this case, “Synthesize, don’t summarize” is the best technique you can use to end your paper. Simply put, instead of recalling all of the major facts, you should approach your conclusion from the “So what?” position by highlighting the significance of the information provided.

How to Conclude a Narrative Essay

In a nutshell, a narrative essay is based on simple storytelling. The purpose of this paper is to share a particular story in detail. Therefore, the conclusion for such a paper should wrap up the story and avoid finishing on an abrupt cliffhanger. It is vital to include the key takeaways and the lessons learned from the story.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Lab Report

Unlike an essay, a lab report is based on an experiment. This type of paper describes the flow of a particular experiment conducted by a student and its conclusion should reflect on the outcomes of this experiment.

In thinking of how to write a conclusion for a lab, here are the key things you should do to get it right:

• Restate the goals of your experiment
• Describe the methods you used
• Include the results of the experiment and analyze the final data
• End your conclusion with a clear statement on whether or not the experiment was successful (Did you reach the expected results?)

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Writing a paper is probably the hardest task of all, even for experienced dissertation writer . Unlike an essay or even a lab report, a research paper is a much longer piece of work that requires a deeper investigation of the problem. Therefore, a conclusion for such a paper should be even more sophisticated and powerful. If you're feeling difficulty writing an essay, you can buy essay on our service.

However, given that a research paper is the second most popular kind of academic paper (after an essay), it is important to know how to conclude a research paper. Even if you have not yet been assigned to do this task, be sure that you will face it soon. So, here are the steps you should follow to create a great conclusion for a research paper:

• Restate the Topic

Start your final paragraph with a quick reminder of what the topic of the piece is about. Keep it one sentence long.

• Revisit the Thesis

Next, you should remind your readers what your thesis statement was. However, do not just copy and paste it from the introductory clause: paraphrase your thesis so that you deliver the same idea but with different words. Keep your paraphrased thesis narrow, specific, and topic-oriented.

• Summarise Your Key Ideas

Just like the case of a regular essay’s conclusion, a research paper’s final paragraph should also include a short summary of all of the key points stated in the body sections. We recommend reading the entire body part a few times to define all of your main arguments and ideas.

• Showcase the Significance of Your Work

In the research paper conclusion, it is vital to highlight the significance of your research problem and state how your solution could be helpful.

• Make Suggestions for Future Studies

Finally, at the end of your conclusion, you should define how your findings will contribute to the development of its particular field of science. Outline the perspectives of further research and, if necessary, explain what is yet to be discovered on the topic.

Then, end your conclusion with a powerful concluding sentence – it can be a rhetorical question, call to action, or another hook that will help you have a strong impact on the audience.

• Answer the Right Questions

To create a top-notch research paper conclusion, be sure to answer the following questions:

• What is the goal of a research paper?
• What are the possible solutions to the research question(s)?
• How can your results be implemented in real life? (Is your research paper helpful to the community?)
• Why is this study important and relevant?

Additionally, here are a few more handy tips to follow:

• Provide clear examples from real life to help readers better understand the further implementation of the stated solutions;
• Keep your conclusion fresh, original, and creative.

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So, What Is a Good Closing Sentence? See The Difference

One of the best ways to learn how to write a good conclusion is to look at several professional essay conclusion examples. In this section of our guide, we are going to look at two different final paragraphs shaped on the basis of the same template, but even so, they are very different – where one is weak and the other is strong. Below, we are going to compare them to help you understand the difference between a good and a bad conclusion.

Here is the template we used: College degrees are in decline. The price of receiving an education does not correlate with the quality of the education received. As a result, graduated students face underemployment, and the worth of college degrees appears to be in serious doubt. However, the potential social and economic benefits of educated students balance out the equation.

Strong Conclusion ‍

People either see college as an opportunity or an inconvenience; therefore, a degree can only hold as much value as its owner’s skillset. The underemployment of graduate students puts the worth of college degrees in serious doubt. Yet, with the multitude of benefits that educated students bring to society and the economy, the equation remains in balance. Perhaps the ordinary person should consider college as a wise financial investment, but only if they stay determined to study and do the hard work.

Why is this example good? There are several key points that prove its effectiveness:

• There is a bold opening statement that encompasses the two contrasting types of students we can see today.
• There are two sentences that recall the thesis statement and cover the key arguments from the body of the essay.
• Finally, the last sentence sums up the key message of the essay and leaves readers with something to think about.

Weak Conclusion

In conclusion, with the poor preparation of students in college and the subsequent underemployment after graduation from college, the worth associated with the college degree appears to be in serious doubt. However, these issues alone may not reasonably conclude beyond a doubt that investing in a college degree is a rewarding venture. When the full benefits that come with education are carefully put into consideration and evaluated, college education for children in any country still has good advantages, and society should continue to advocate for a college education. The ordinary person should consider this a wise financial decision that holds rewards in the end. Apart from the monetary gains associated with a college education, society will greatly benefit from students when they finish college. Their minds are going to be expanded, and their reasoning and decision making will be enhanced.

What makes this example bad? Here are a few points to consider:

• Unlike the first example, this paragraph is long and not specific enough. The author provides plenty of generalized phrases that are not backed up by actual arguments.
• This piece is hard to read and understand and sentences have a confusing structure. Also, there are lots of repetitions and too many uses of the word “college”.
• There is no summary of the key benefits.
• The last two sentences that highlight the value of education contradict with the initial statement.
• Finally, the last sentence doesn’t offer a strong conclusion and gives no thought to ponder upon.
• In the body of your essay, you have hopefully already provided your reader(s) with plenty of information. Therefore, it is not wise to present new arguments or ideas in your conclusion.
• To end your final paragraph right, find a clear and straightforward message that will have the most powerful impact on your audience.
• Don’t use more than one quote in the final clause of your paper – the information from external sources (including quotes) belongs in the body of a paper.
• Be authoritative when writing a conclusion. You should sound confident and convincing to leave a good impression. Sentences like “I’m not an expert, but…” will most likely make you seem less knowledgeable and/or credible.

Good Conclusion Examples

Now that we've learned what a conclusion is and how to write one let's take a look at some essay conclusion examples to strengthen our knowledge.

The ending ironically reveals that all was for nothing. (A short explanation of the thematic effect of the book’s end) Tom says that Miss Watson freed Jim in her final will.Jim told Huck that the dead man on the Island was pap. The entire adventure seemingly evaporated into nothingness. (How this effect was manifested into the minds of thereaders).

All in all, international schools hold the key to building a full future that students can achieve. (Thesis statement simplified) They help students develop their own character by learning from their mistakes, without having to face a dreadful penalty for failure. (Thesis statement elaborated)Although some say that kids emerged “spoiled” with this mentality, the results prove the contrary. (Possible counter-arguments are noted)

In conclusion, public workers should be allowed to strike since it will give them a chance to air their grievances. (Thesis statement) Public workers should be allowed to strike when their rights, safety, and regulations are compromised. The workers will get motivated when they strike, and their demands are met.

In summary, studies reveal some similarities in the nutrient contents between the organic and non-organic food substances. (Starts with similarities) However, others have revealed many considerable differences in the amounts of antioxidants as well as other minerals present in organic and non-organic foods. Generally, organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants than non-organic foods and therefore are more important in the prevention of chronic illnesses.

As time went by, my obsession grew into something bigger than art; (‘As time went by’ signals maturation) it grew into a dream of developing myself for the world. (Showing student’s interest of developing himself for the community) It is a dream of not only seeing the world from a different perspective but also changing the perspective of people who see my work. (Showing student’s determination to create moving pieces of art)

In conclusion, it is evident that technology is an integral part of our lives and without it, we become “lost” since we have increasingly become dependent on its use. (Thesis with main point)

You might also be interested in reading nursing essay examples from our service.

How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay?

How to write a good conclusion, how to write a conclusion for a college essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Narrative Essay: An Ideal Conclusion

Published : January 13, 2024

By | MyPremiumEssay 12 mins read

In narrative essays, the conclusion serves as the final brushstroke on the canvas of your essay. It's the moment when you leave a lasting impression, prompting reflection and emotion in your readers. So, how do you write a conclusion that resonates, leaving your audience with a sense of fulfillment? Let's explore the steps and guidelines for concluding a narrative essay and remember, you can always explore options to buy narrative essays online for added inspiration and guidance.

Concluding the Narrative Essay: The Perfect Ending

Examples of effective narrative essay conclusion, tips on writing the conclusion of your narrative essay.

In the pursuit of a flawless conclusion for your narrative essay, the paramount steps are:

Revisit the Essence

Wrap up your narrative essay by echoing its central theme. Take your readers back through the emotional arc of your story. Whether it’s about overcoming, loss, or finding oneself, highlight the core message again.

For example: In my journey's dimly lit moments, I uncovered not just the power to face challenges but also the enduring spirit in us all.

Echo Emotions

Stir emotions by revisiting your story's emotional peaks and valleys. Show, don't just tell. Paint your narrative’s emotional scenes with vivid words and imagery.

For example: The sting of defeat still clung to me, yet in the quiet ruins of lost dreams, a spark of hope kindled, rising anew like a phoenix from ashes.

Leave Room for Contemplation

Prompt your readers to ponder the wider meaning of your story. What insights emerge? How does it resonate with universal human experiences? Guide them to see your personal tale as a mirror to broader truths.

Take this example: In the wake of my trials, I understood that resilience is more than personal; it's a shared thread of our collective spirit, ever-present in adversity.

End with a Memorable Quote or Thought

End your narrative essay with a striking quote or deep statement. This leaves your readers with a powerful, lasting idea that sums up your story's core.

For instance: In life's rich tapestry, our scars are not imperfections but threads that stitch together our unique life stories.

Circle Back to the Beginning

Circle back to your narrative's start for a cohesive finish. By returning to the starting point, you create a sense of closure and unity within your essay. This circular structure reinforces the completeness of your storytelling.

Consider this: Standing once at uncertainty's crossroads, I never imagined how the path ahead would shape me into my true self.

Invoke the Senses

Draw your readers in with sensory details in your conclusion. Paint a vivid scene using sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell to immerse them in your story’s essence.

For Example: As I embarked on a new chapter, the autumn breeze whispered of fresh starts, its crispness laden with the scent of new possibilities.

Craft a Powerful Final Sentence

Finish your conclusion with a sentence that leaves a lasting impact. Aim for something memorable, stirring, or deeply meaningful. This final thought should echo in your readers' minds well after they've read your essay.

Here's an example: As my journey quieted down, I discovered that life's most remarkable tales are often scripted in the simplicity of everyday moments.

Also Read: How To Write A Narrative Essay?

Here are some examples of effective narrative essay conclusions:

1 Conclusion that summarizes the main points and reflects on the significance of the experience: Eventually, my journey of teaching abroad was a profound learning experience. It revealed my own untapped potential and resilience. I gained insights into compassion, understanding, and the value of cultural sensitivity. This adventure, rich in lessons, will forever be a cherished part of my life.

Ready to transform your storytelling?

Let our skilled writers perfect your narrative essays ,leaving a lasting impression on your readers writing.

2 Conclusion that ends with a question to make the reader think: As I look back on this experience, I often think about what if I hadn't dared to venture out. Such a choice would have kept me from discovering my own strengths and the vastness of the world. I'm thankful for this enlightening journey and urge everyone to embrace new experiences, stepping beyond their usual boundaries.

3 Conclusion that uses strong language and imagery to leave a lasting impression on the reader: The lasting memory of my students' joyous faces will always be with me. They showed me the true value of happiness, resilience, and hope. I'm thankful for the chance to have impacted their lives and am confident they will achieve remarkable things.

Remember, a strong conclusion ties back to your essay's theme and leaves a lasting thought for your readers.

Read More: How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

When writing the conclusion of your narrative essay, keep in mind the following tips:

In wrapping up your essay, avoid just repeating the tale. The reader knows the story; focus instead on its deeper message.

Keep new info out of the conclusion to avoid confusion.

Use vivid language and imagery to leave a strong, lasting impression.

Your ending should tie back to the essay and provoke thought.

Lastly, polish your conclusion to perfection, ensuring it's error-free. Keep it brief, engaging, and thought-provoking.

Use these steps and tips from our blog to craft conclusions that resonate and make your readers think about something. Let MyPremiumEssay be your secret tool to add sparkle to your words. Here's to writing standout stories and essays. Happy writing adventures!

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Conclusions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of conclusions, offer strategies for writing effective ones, help you evaluate conclusions you’ve drafted, and suggest approaches to avoid.

About conclusions

Introductions and conclusions can be difficult to write, but they’re worth investing time in. They can have a significant influence on a reader’s experience of your paper.

Just as your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. Such a conclusion will help them see why all your analysis and information should matter to them after they put the paper down.

Your conclusion is your chance to have the last word on the subject. The conclusion allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

Your conclusion can go beyond the confines of the assignment. The conclusion pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings.

Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. Your conclusion gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate your topic in personally relevant ways. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest your reader, but also enrich your reader’s life in some way. It is your gift to the reader.

Strategies for writing an effective conclusion

One or more of the following strategies may help you write an effective conclusion:

• Play the “So What” Game. If you’re stuck and feel like your conclusion isn’t saying anything new or interesting, ask a friend to read it with you. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So what?” or “Why should anybody care?” Then ponder that question and answer it. Here’s how it might go: You: Basically, I’m just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what? You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: That’s important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally. You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself “So What?” as you develop your ideas or your draft.
• Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. This strategy brings the reader full circle. For example, if you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. You may also refer to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction.
• Synthesize, don’t summarize. Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, but don’t simply repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together.
• Include a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your paper.
• Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. This can redirect your reader’s thought process and help them to apply your info and ideas to their own life or to see the broader implications.
• Point to broader implications. For example, if your paper examines the Greensboro sit-ins or another event in the Civil Rights Movement, you could point out its impact on the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. A paper about the style of writer Virginia Woolf could point to her influence on other writers or on later feminists.

Strategies to avoid

• Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing.” Although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing.
• Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion.
• Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.
• Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes.
• Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of an analytical paper.
• Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the body of the paper.

Four kinds of ineffective conclusions

• The “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It” Conclusion. This conclusion just restates the thesis and is usually painfully short. It does not push the ideas forward. People write this kind of conclusion when they can’t think of anything else to say. Example: In conclusion, Frederick Douglass was, as we have seen, a pioneer in American education, proving that education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.
• The “Sherlock Holmes” Conclusion. Sometimes writers will state the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion. You might be tempted to use this strategy if you don’t want to give everything away too early in your paper. You may think it would be more dramatic to keep the reader in the dark until the end and then “wow” them with your main idea, as in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. The reader, however, does not expect a mystery, but an analytical discussion of your topic in an academic style, with the main argument (thesis) stated up front. Example: (After a paper that lists numerous incidents from the book but never says what these incidents reveal about Douglass and his views on education): So, as the evidence above demonstrates, Douglass saw education as a way to undermine the slaveholders’ power and also an important step toward freedom.
• The “America the Beautiful”/”I Am Woman”/”We Shall Overcome” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion usually draws on emotion to make its appeal, but while this emotion and even sentimentality may be very heartfelt, it is usually out of character with the rest of an analytical paper. A more sophisticated commentary, rather than emotional praise, would be a more fitting tribute to the topic. Example: Because of the efforts of fine Americans like Frederick Douglass, countless others have seen the shining beacon of light that is education. His example was a torch that lit the way for others. Frederick Douglass was truly an American hero.
• The “Grab Bag” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion includes extra information that the writer found or thought of but couldn’t integrate into the main paper. You may find it hard to leave out details that you discovered after hours of research and thought, but adding random facts and bits of evidence at the end of an otherwise-well-organized essay can just create confusion. Example: In addition to being an educational pioneer, Frederick Douglass provides an interesting case study for masculinity in the American South. He also offers historians an interesting glimpse into slave resistance when he confronts Covey, the overseer. His relationships with female relatives reveal the importance of family in the slave community.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself. New York: Dover.

Hamilton College. n.d. “Conclusions.” Writing Center. Accessed June 14, 2019. https://www.hamilton.edu//academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/conclusions .

Holewa, Randa. 2004. “Strategies for Writing a Conclusion.” LEO: Literacy Education Online. Last updated February 19, 2004. https://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

• What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
• What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
• Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
• What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
• What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

• a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
• a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
• an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
• fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
• picture_as_pdf Conclusions

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Narrative Essays

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What is a narrative essay?

When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways.

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay.

• If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a story.

This means that you must include an introduction, plot, characters, setting, climax, and conclusion.

• When would a narrative essay not be written as a story?

A good example of this is when an instructor asks a student to write a book report. Obviously, this would not necessarily follow the pattern of a story and would focus on providing an informative narrative for the reader.

• The essay should have a purpose.

Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. If there is no point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all?

• The essay should be written from a clear point of view.

It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays oftentimes manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.

• Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.

Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader.

• The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed.

Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction.

• As always, be organized!

Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).

• Mastering the Art of Closure: Effective Strategies for Concluding Your Story

May 15, 2024

Reaching the end of a story is a momentous occasion for any writer, marked by the challenge of delivering a conclusion that not only satisfies but resonates with readers. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies to guide you in successfully bringing your story to a close, ensuring that your audience concludes the final chapter with a sense of fulfillment.

Strategic Planning for Endings

Before delving into the last chapters, having a clear vision of how your story will conclude is crucial. Whether you lean towards meticulous planning or a more spontaneous approach, a well-defined idea of your narrative’s resolution provides a roadmap for your storytelling. Consider the themes, character arcs, and the overall message you aim to convey.

Resolution of Character Arcs

Essential to a satisfying conclusion is tying up loose ends and providing resolution to your main characters’ journeys. Whether it’s growth, change, or realization, ensuring closure for your characters is pivotal for reader satisfaction and connection. Be mindful of providing natural connections between your character’s journey and the end goal.

Striking the Balance between Resolution and Ambiguity

Achieving the proper equilibrium between resolution and ambiguity is an art. While answering key questions and providing closure is essential, leaving some aspects open to interpretation can spark discussion and intrigue among readers. Adjust this balance based on the tone and genre of your story. Much like the real world, not all stories are meant to have a clear-cut-and-dried end.

Echoing Themes and Motifs

Revisiting your narrative’s recurring themes and motifs creates cohesion and reinforces your story’s underlying message. Whether it’s love, redemption, or the triumph of good over evil, ensure that your conclusion aligns with your story’s core themes.

Building Tension Leading to Climax

The final chapters should not lack tension. As you approach the climax, intensify your characters’ conflicts and challenges. Readers should feel a heightened sense of anticipation, culminating in a satisfying resolution. A well-executed climax adds emotional depth to your conclusion.

Avoiding Deus Ex Machina

Readers appreciate a conclusion that feels earned rather than contrived. Steer clear of convenient plot devices or abrupt, implausible solutions (deus ex machina). Ensure that your characters overcome challenges through growth, choices, and adherence to the established rules of your story world.

Considering Emotional Impact

The most memorable conclusions resonate emotionally with readers. Consider the emotional journey you want your audience to undergo and tailor your conclusion accordingly. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, or a sense of wonder, aim to evoke emotions that linger with your readers long after they’ve finished your story.

Review and Refinement

Writing a successful conclusion often requires multiple revisions. After writing the conclusion, step back and evaluate its effectiveness. Seek feedback from beta readers or writing peers to understand how well your conclusion lands. Refine and polish until your ending feels just right.

Crafting a successful conclusion for your story is a rewarding yet intricate process. By planning strategically, resolving character arcs, balancing resolution and ambiguity, echoing themes, building tension, considering emotional impact, and embracing a thorough review and revision process, you can create an ending that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact. Remember, the journey may be as important as the destination, so savor every moment of crafting the final chapters of your narrative masterpiece. Happy writing!

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Do you need ideas for writing a conclusion for a narrative story?  This post will cover the meaning of a conclusion, teaching tips for brainstorming ideas to include in a conclusion, mentor text, examples, and effective teaching steps for your writing lesson plans. These ideas are ideal for any writing curriculum and are a part of a series of mini lessons for writer’s workshop designed for scaffolding through the writing process.

Common Core Standard:  We can provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.

What is a conclusion?  It is the end of the story or solution to the problem.  The readers should be reminded of the main idea and feel that the story has come a full circle with an ending.  Don’t leave your readers hanging.  Give them a solid conclusion.  That doesn’t mean you can’t give them something to think about for future stories or what may happen after the story, but conclude the plot you have built up throughout the story.  Come down from the heightened suspense and climax and finish the story.

2. MENTOR TEXT

Did you know that using a mentor text doesn’t mean the book has to be newly introduced? Did you read First Day Jitters at the beginning of the school year? Get the book back out, retell the story, and then read the conclusion together pointing out how it closes the story. When using mentor text for specific skills, you are mainly focusing on that skill, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve already read it.

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Always model!  What does that mean?  Modeling a lesson is showing students exactly how to apply the knowledge of the lesson into writing.  It is best to have an ongoing story and add each lesson as you go.  It creates a scaffolding approach to writing.  In all of my interactive writing notebooks created for Grades 1-8, I provide modeled lessons. What does that mean?  You don’t have to come up with all the ideas yourself. You can use the modeled stories as your class story.  Of course you can also have students input too.

4. TAKE NOTES

I am a firm believer that taking notes or providing students with mini anchor charts for their notes is a very valuable tool.  They will have this information at their fingertips when they are writing future stories.  This is an example of an interactive writing notebook page using a finish line flag for the graphic so students can have a visual for finishing or ending.

5. PRACTICE

Providing practice for students is also valuable before they are asked to write a conclusion on their own.  I like to give groups of students a VARIETY OF WRITING PROMPTS and ask them to create a plot with a conclusion to share with other groups or the whole class.

After students have the background knowledge, modeled samples, and practice, they are ready to apply their knowledge!  This is an example of an interactive writing notebook page where students write the end of their story inside a finish line flag.  Then students should transfer that conclusion onto their graphic organizer for the story.

Students should share their conclusions with their peers.  They will get to see how other students are finishing their stories and may prompt more ideas for this writing or future writing.

I hope you gathered a few ideas useful for your own classroom or homeschool student. There are many more writing mini lessons just like this one!  If you are looking for ways to write a strong conclusion, visit my post in the revising stage called HOW TO WRITE A JAMMIN’ CONCLUSION!

Check out my FREE writing masterclass! CLICK HERE

LAST LESSON:  WRITING MINI LESSON #20- WRITING DIALOGUE IN NARRATIVE WRITING

NEXT LESSON: WRITING MINI LESSON #22- WRITING A ROUGH DRAFT FOR A NARRATIVE ESSAY!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF WRITING MINI LESSONS

This lesson is also included in the STEP-BY-STEP WRITING ® Programwith mini-lessons designed to scaffold through the writing process. Writing units included are sentence structure, paragraph writing, narrative writing, opinion writing, and informative writing. See what is included in the image below and click on it to learn more about them! You will turn your reluctant writers into ROCKSTAR WRITERS ™! 

Writing Mini Lesson #20- Dialogue in a Narrative Essay

10 steps to making chocolate.

Conclusions for Narrative Writing

In our Conclusions for Narrative Writing lesson plan, students learn strategies for writing more effective conclusions for narrative texts. Students practice writing conclusions based on example texts using these strategies.

Description

Additional information.

Our Conclusions for Narrative Writing lesson plan introduces students to writing effective conclusions for narratives. The lesson discusses exactly what narrative writing is and the different types of narratives students may be asked to create. The lesson emphasizes the importance of a strong conclusion to a piece of narrative writing and offers several strategies that can be used to create an effective ending. During this lesson, students are asked to work collaboratively with a partner to write several different endings to a provided story, using each of the strategies discussed during the lesson. Students are also asked to match provided text with the best conclusion strategy for narrative writing, demonstrating their understanding of the different conclusion strategies and when they should be used.

At the end of the lesson, students will be able to provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.

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Narrative Writing: A Complete Guide for Teachers and Students

MASTERING THE CRAFT OF NARRATIVE WRITING

Narratives build on and encourage the development of the fundamentals of writing. They also require developing an additional skill set: the ability to tell a good yarn, and storytelling is as old as humanity.

We see and hear stories everywhere and daily, from having good gossip on the doorstep with a neighbor in the morning to the dramas that fill our screens in the evening.

Good narrative writing skills are hard-won by students even though it is an area of writing that most enjoy due to the creativity and freedom it offers.

Here we will explore some of the main elements of a good story: plot, setting, characters, conflict, climax, and resolution . And we will look too at how best we can help our students understand these elements, both in isolation and how they mesh together as a whole.

WHAT IS A NARRATIVE?

A narrative is a story that shares a sequence of events , characters, and themes. It expresses experiences, ideas, and perspectives that should aspire to engage and inspire an audience.

A narrative can spark emotion, encourage reflection, and convey meaning when done well.

Narratives are a popular genre for students and teachers as they allow the writer to share their imagination, creativity, skill, and understanding of nearly all elements of writing.  We occasionally refer to a narrative as ‘creative writing’ or story writing.

The purpose of a narrative is simple, to tell the audience a story.  It can be written to motivate, educate, or entertain and can be fact or fiction.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING NARRATIVE WRITING

Teach your students to become skilled story writers with this HUGE   NARRATIVE & CREATIVE STORY WRITING UNIT . Offering a  COMPLETE SOLUTION  to teaching students how to craft  CREATIVE CHARACTERS, SUPERB SETTINGS, and PERFECT PLOTS .

Over 192 PAGES of materials, including:

TYPES OF NARRATIVE WRITING

There are many narrative writing genres and sub-genres such as these.

We have a complete guide to writing a personal narrative that differs from the traditional story-based narrative covered in this guide. It includes personal narrative writing prompts, resources, and examples and can be found here.

As we can see, narratives are an open-ended form of writing that allows you to showcase creativity in many directions. However, all narratives share a common set of features and structure known as “Story Elements”, which are briefly covered in this guide.

Don’t overlook the importance of understanding story elements and the value this adds to you as a writer who can dissect and create grand narratives. We also have an in-depth guide to understanding story elements here .

CHARACTERISTICS OF NARRATIVE WRITING

Narrative structure.

ORIENTATION (BEGINNING) Set the scene by introducing your characters, setting and time of the story. Establish your who, when and where in this part of your narrative

COMPLICATION AND EVENTS (MIDDLE) In this section activities and events involving your main characters are expanded upon. These events are written in a cohesive and fluent sequence.

RESOLUTION (ENDING) Your complication is resolved in this section. It does not have to be a happy outcome, however.

EXTRAS: Whilst orientation, complication and resolution are the agreed norms for a narrative, there are numerous examples of popular texts that did not explicitly follow this path exactly.

NARRATIVE FEATURES

LANGUAGE: Use descriptive and figurative language to paint images inside your audience’s minds as they read.

PERSPECTIVE Narratives can be written from any perspective but are most commonly written in first or third person.

DIALOGUE Narratives frequently switch from narrator to first-person dialogue. Always use speech marks when writing dialogue.

TENSE If you change tense, make it perfectly clear to your audience what is happening. Flashbacks might work well in your mind but make sure they translate to your audience.

THE PLOT MAP

This graphic is known as a plot map, and nearly all narratives fit this structure in one way or another, whether romance novels, science fiction or otherwise.

It is a simple tool that helps you understand and organise a story’s events. Think of it as a roadmap that outlines the journey of your characters and the events that unfold. It outlines the different stops along the way, such as the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, that help you to see how the story builds and develops.

Using a plot map, you can see how each event fits into the larger picture and how the different parts of the story work together to create meaning. It’s a great way to visualize and analyze a story.

Be sure to refer to a plot map when planning a story, as it has all the essential elements of a great story.

THE 5 KEY STORY ELEMENTS OF A GREAT NARRATIVE (6-MINUTE TUTORIAL VIDEO)

This video we created provides an excellent overview of these elements and demonstrates them in action in stories we all know and love.

HOW TO WRITE A NARRATIVE

Now that we understand the story elements and how they come together to form stories, it’s time to start planning and writing your narrative.

In many cases, the template and guide below will provide enough details on how to craft a great story. However, if you still need assistance with the fundamentals of writing, such as sentence structure, paragraphs and using correct grammar, we have some excellent guides on those here.

USE YOUR WRITING TIME EFFECTIVELY: Maximize your narrative writing sessions by spending approximately 20 per cent of your time planning and preparing.  This ensures greater productivity during your writing time and keeps you focused and on task.

Use tools such as graphic organizers to logically sequence your narrative if you are not a confident story writer.  If you are working with reluctant writers, try using narrative writing prompts to get their creative juices flowing.

Spend most of your writing hour on the task at hand, don’t get too side-tracked editing during this time and leave some time for editing. When editing a  narrative, examine it for these three elements.

• Spelling and grammar ( Is it readable?)
• Story structure and continuity ( Does it make sense, and does it flow? )
• Character and plot analysis. (Are your characters engaging? Does your problem/resolution work? )

1. SETTING THE SCENE: THE WHERE AND THE WHEN

The story’s setting often answers two of the central questions in the story, namely, the where and the when. The answers to these two crucial questions will often be informed by the type of story the student is writing.

The story’s setting can be chosen to quickly orient the reader to the type of story they are reading. For example, a fictional narrative writing piece such as a horror story will often begin with a description of a haunted house on a hill or an abandoned asylum in the middle of the woods. If we start our story on a rocket ship hurtling through the cosmos on its space voyage to the Alpha Centauri star system, we can be reasonably sure that the story we are embarking on is a work of science fiction.

Such conventions are well-worn clichés true, but they can be helpful starting points for our novice novelists to make a start.

Having students choose an appropriate setting for the type of story they wish to write is an excellent exercise for our younger students. It leads naturally onto the next stage of story writing, which is creating suitable characters to populate this fictional world they have created. However, older or more advanced students may wish to play with the expectations of appropriate settings for their story. They may wish to do this for comic effect or in the interest of creating a more original story. For example, opening a story with a children’s birthday party does not usually set up the expectation of a horror story. Indeed, it may even lure the reader into a happy reverie as they remember their own happy birthday parties. This leaves them more vulnerable to the surprise element of the shocking action that lies ahead.

Once the students have chosen a setting for their story, they need to start writing. Little can be more terrifying to English students than the blank page and its bare whiteness stretching before them on the table like a merciless desert they must cross. Give them the kick-start they need by offering support through word banks or writing prompts. If the class is all writing a story based on the same theme, you may wish to compile a common word bank on the whiteboard as a prewriting activity. Write the central theme or genre in the middle of the board. Have students suggest words or phrases related to the theme and list them on the board.

You may wish to provide students with a copy of various writing prompts to get them started. While this may mean that many students’ stories will have the same beginning, they will most likely arrive at dramatically different endings via dramatically different routes.

A bargain is at the centre of the relationship between the writer and the reader. That bargain is that the reader promises to suspend their disbelief as long as the writer creates a consistent and convincing fictional reality. Creating a believable world for the fictional characters to inhabit requires the student to draw on convincing details. The best way of doing this is through writing that appeals to the senses. Have your student reflect deeply on the world that they are creating. What does it look like? Sound like? What does the food taste like there? How does it feel like to walk those imaginary streets, and what aromas beguile the nose as the main character winds their way through that conjured market?

Also, Consider the when; or the time period. Is it a future world where things are cleaner and more antiseptic? Or is it an overcrowded 16th-century London with human waste stinking up the streets? If students can create a multi-sensory installation in the reader’s mind, then they have done this part of their job well.

Popular Settings from Children’s Literature and Storytelling

• Fairytale Kingdom
• Magical Forest
• Village/town
• Underwater world
• Space/Alien planet

2. CASTING THE CHARACTERS: THE WHO

Now that your student has created a believable world, it is time to populate it with believable characters.

In short stories, these worlds mustn’t be overpopulated beyond what the student’s skill level can manage. Short stories usually only require one main character and a few secondary ones. Think of the short story more as a small-scale dramatic production in an intimate local theater than a Hollywood blockbuster on a grand scale. Too many characters will only confuse and become unwieldy with a canvas this size. Keep it simple!

Creating believable characters is often one of the most challenging aspects of narrative writing for students. Fortunately, we can do a few things to help students here. Sometimes it is helpful for students to model their characters on actual people they know. This can make things a little less daunting and taxing on the imagination. However, whether or not this is the case, writing brief background bios or descriptions of characters’ physical personality characteristics can be a beneficial prewriting activity. Students should give some in-depth consideration to the details of who their character is: How do they walk? What do they look like? Do they have any distinguishing features? A crooked nose? A limp? Bad breath? Small details such as these bring life and, therefore, believability to characters. Students can even cut pictures from magazines to put a face to their character and allow their imaginations to fill in the rest of the details.

Younger students will often dictate to the reader the nature of their characters. To improve their writing craft, students must know when to switch from story-telling mode to story-showing mode. This is particularly true when it comes to character. Encourage students to reveal their character’s personality through what they do rather than merely by lecturing the reader on the faults and virtues of the character’s personality. It might be a small relayed detail in the way they walk that reveals a core characteristic. For example, a character who walks with their head hanging low and shoulders hunched while avoiding eye contact has been revealed to be timid without the word once being mentioned. This is a much more artistic and well-crafted way of doing things and is less irritating for the reader. A character who sits down at the family dinner table immediately snatches up his fork and starts stuffing roast potatoes into his mouth before anyone else has even managed to sit down has revealed a tendency towards greed or gluttony.

Understanding Character Traits

Again, there is room here for some fun and profitable prewriting activities. Give students a list of character traits and have them describe a character doing something that reveals that trait without ever employing the word itself.

It is also essential to avoid adjective stuffing here. When looking at students’ early drafts, adjective stuffing is often apparent. To train the student out of this habit, choose an adjective and have the student rewrite the sentence to express this adjective through action rather than telling.

When writing a story, it is vital to consider the character’s traits and how they will impact the story’s events. For example, a character with a strong trait of determination may be more likely to overcome obstacles and persevere. In contrast, a character with a tendency towards laziness may struggle to achieve their goals. In short, character traits add realism, depth, and meaning to a story, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader.

Popular Character Traits in Children’s Stories

• Determination
• Imagination
• Perseverance
• Responsibility

We have an in-depth guide to creating great characters here , but most students should be fine to move on to planning their conflict and resolution.

3. NO PROBLEM? NO STORY! HOW CONFLICT DRIVES A NARRATIVE

This is often the area apprentice writers have the most difficulty with. Students must understand that without a problem or conflict, there is no story. The problem is the driving force of the action. Usually, in a short story, the problem will center around what the primary character wants to happen or, indeed, wants not to happen. It is the hurdle that must be overcome. It is in the struggle to overcome this hurdle that events happen.

Often when a student understands the need for a problem in a story, their completed work will still not be successful. This is because, often in life, problems remain unsolved. Hurdles are not always successfully overcome. Students pick up on this.

We often discuss problems with friends that will never be satisfactorily resolved one way or the other, and we accept this as a part of life. This is not usually the case with writing a story. Whether a character successfully overcomes his or her problem or is decidedly crushed in the process of trying is not as important as the fact that it will finally be resolved one way or the other.

A good practical exercise for students to get to grips with this is to provide copies of stories and have them identify the central problem or conflict in each through discussion. Familiar fables or fairy tales such as Three Little Pigs, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Cinderella, etc., are great for this.

While it is true that stories often have more than one problem or that the hero or heroine is unsuccessful in their first attempt to solve a central problem, for beginning students and intermediate students, it is best to focus on a single problem, especially given the scope of story writing at this level. Over time students will develop their abilities to handle more complex plots and write accordingly.

Popular Conflicts found in Children’s Storytelling.

• Good vs evil
• Individual vs society
• Nature vs nurture
• Self vs others
• Man vs self
• Man vs nature
• Man vs technology
• Individual vs fate
• Self vs destiny

Conflict is the heart and soul of any good story. It’s what makes a story compelling and drives the plot forward. Without conflict, there is no story. Every great story has a struggle or a problem that needs to be solved, and that’s where conflict comes in. Conflict is what makes a story exciting and keeps the reader engaged. It creates tension and suspense and makes the reader care about the outcome.

Like in real life, conflict in a story is an opportunity for a character’s growth and transformation. It’s a chance for them to learn and evolve, making a story great. So next time stories are written in the classroom, remember that conflict is an essential ingredient, and without it, your story will lack the energy, excitement, and meaning that makes it truly memorable.

4. THE NARRATIVE CLIMAX: HOW THINGS COME TO A HEAD!

The climax of the story is the dramatic high point of the action. It is also when the struggles kicked off by the problem come to a head. The climax will ultimately decide whether the story will have a happy or tragic ending. In the climax, two opposing forces duke things out until the bitter (or sweet!) end. One force ultimately emerges triumphant. As the action builds throughout the story, suspense increases as the reader wonders which of these forces will win out. The climax is the release of this suspense.

Much of the success of the climax depends on how well the other elements of the story have been achieved. If the student has created a well-drawn and believable character that the reader can identify with and feel for, then the climax will be more powerful.

The nature of the problem is also essential as it determines what’s at stake in the climax. The problem must matter dearly to the main character if it matters at all to the reader.

Have students engage in discussions about their favorite movies and books. Have them think about the storyline and decide the most exciting parts. What was at stake at these moments? What happened in your body as you read or watched? Did you breathe faster? Or grip the cushion hard? Did your heart rate increase, or did you start to sweat? This is what a good climax does and what our students should strive to do in their stories.

The climax puts it all on the line and rolls the dice. Let the chips fall where the writer may…

Popular Climax themes in Children’s Stories

• A battle between good and evil
• The character’s bravery saves the day
• Character faces their fears and overcomes them
• The character solves a mystery or puzzle.
• The character stands up for what is right.
• Character reaches their goal or dream.
• The character learns a valuable lesson.
• The character makes a selfless sacrifice.
• The character makes a difficult decision.
• The character reunites with loved ones or finds true friendship.

5. RESOLUTION: TYING UP LOOSE ENDS

After the climactic action, a few questions will often remain unresolved for the reader, even if all the conflict has been resolved. The resolution is where those lingering questions will be answered. The resolution in a short story may only be a brief paragraph or two. But, in most cases, it will still be necessary to include an ending immediately after the climax can feel too abrupt and leave the reader feeling unfulfilled.

An easy way to explain resolution to students struggling to grasp the concept is to point to the traditional resolution of fairy tales, the “And they all lived happily ever after” ending. This weather forecast for the future allows the reader to take their leave. Have the student consider the emotions they want to leave the reader with when crafting their resolution.

While the action is usually complete by the end of the climax, it is in the resolution that if there is a twist to be found, it will appear – think of movies such as The Usual Suspects. Pulling this off convincingly usually requires considerable skill from a student writer. Still, it may well form a challenging extension exercise for those more gifted storytellers among your students.

Popular Resolutions in Children’s Stories

• Our hero achieves their goal
• The character learns a valuable lesson
• A character finds happiness or inner peace.
• The character reunites with loved ones.
• Character restores balance to the world.
• The character discovers their true identity.
• Character changes for the better.
• The character gains wisdom or understanding.
• Character makes amends with others.
• The character learns to appreciate what they have.

Once students have completed their story, they can edit for grammar, vocabulary choice, spelling, etc., but not before!

As mentioned, there is a craft to storytelling, as well as an art. When accurate grammar, perfect spelling, and immaculate sentence structures are pushed at the outset, they can cause storytelling paralysis. For this reason, it is essential that when we encourage the students to write a story, we give them license to make mechanical mistakes in their use of language that they can work on and fix later.

Good narrative writing is a very complex skill to develop and will take the student years to become competent. It challenges not only the student’s technical abilities with language but also her creative faculties. Writing frames, word banks, mind maps, and visual prompts can all give valuable support as students develop the wide-ranging and challenging skills required to produce a successful narrative writing piece. But, at the end of it all, as with any craft, practice and more practice is at the heart of the matter.

TIPS FOR WRITING A GREAT NARRATIVE

• Start your story with a clear purpose: If you can determine the theme or message you want to convey in your narrative before starting it will make the writing process so much simpler.
• Choose a compelling storyline and sell it through great characters, setting and plot: Consider a unique or interesting story that captures the reader’s attention, then build the world and characters around it.
• Develop vivid characters that are not all the same: Make your characters relatable and memorable by giving them distinct personalities and traits you can draw upon in the plot.
• Use descriptive language to hook your audience into your story: Use sensory language to paint vivid images and sequences in the reader’s mind.
• Show, don’t tell your audience: Use actions, thoughts, and dialogue to reveal character motivations and emotions through storytelling.
• Create a vivid setting that is clear to your audience before getting too far into the plot: Describe the time and place of your story to immerse the reader fully.
• Build tension: Refer to the story map earlier in this article and use conflict, obstacles, and suspense to keep the audience engaged and invested in your narrative.
• Use figurative language such as metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to add depth and meaning to your narrative.
• Edit, revise, and refine: Take the time to refine and polish your writing for clarity and impact.
• Stay true to your voice: Maintain your unique perspective and style in your writing to make it your own.

NARRATIVE WRITING EXAMPLES (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of narratives.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to read these creative stories in detail and the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the critical elements of narratives to consider before writing.

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of story writing.

We recommend reading the example either a year above or below, as well as the grade you are currently working with, to gain a broader appreciation of this text type.

NARRATIVE WRITING PROMPTS (Journal Prompts)

When students have a great journal prompt, it can help them focus on the task at hand, so be sure to view our vast collection of visual writing prompts for various text types here or use some of these.

• On a recent European trip, you find your travel group booked into the stunning and mysterious Castle Frankenfurter for a single night…  As night falls, the massive castle of over one hundred rooms seems to creak and groan as a series of unexplained events begin to make you wonder who or what else is spending the evening with you. Write a narrative that tells the story of your evening.
• You are a famous adventurer who has discovered new lands; keep a travel log over a period of time in which you encounter new and exciting adventures and challenges to overcome.  Ensure your travel journal tells a story and has a definite introduction, conflict and resolution.
• You create an incredible piece of technology that has the capacity to change the world.  As you sit back and marvel at your innovation and the endless possibilities ahead of you, it becomes apparent there are a few problems you didn’t really consider. You might not even be able to control them.  Write a narrative in which you ride the highs and lows of your world-changing creation with a clear introduction, conflict and resolution.
• As the final door shuts on the Megamall, you realise you have done it…  You and your best friend have managed to sneak into the largest shopping centre in town and have the entire place to yourselves until 7 am tomorrow.  There is literally everything and anything a child would dream of entertaining themselves for the next 12 hours.  What amazing adventures await you?  What might go wrong?  And how will you get out of there scot-free?
• A stranger walks into town…  Whilst appearing similar to almost all those around you, you get a sense that this person is from another time, space or dimension… Are they friends or foes?  What makes you sense something very strange is going on?   Suddenly they stand up and walk toward you with purpose extending their hand… It’s almost as if they were reading your mind.

NARRATIVE WRITING VIDEO TUTORIAL

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

When teaching narrative writing, it is essential that you have a range of tools, strategies and resources at your disposal to ensure you get the most out of your writing time.  You can find some examples below, which are free and paid premium resources you can use instantly without any preparation.

FREE Narrative Graphic Organizer

THE STORY TELLERS BUNDLE OF TEACHING RESOURCES

A MASSIVE COLLECTION of resources for narratives and story writing in the classroom covering all elements of crafting amazing stories. MONTHS WORTH OF WRITING LESSONS AND RESOURCES, including:

NARRATIVE WRITING CHECKLIST BUNDLE

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OTHER GREAT ARTICLES ABOUT NARRATIVE WRITING

Narrative Writing for Kids: Essential Skills and Strategies

7 Great Narrative Lesson Plans Students and Teachers Love

Top 7 Narrative Writing Exercises for Students

How to Write a Scary Story

Dreadful Dialogues: Crafting Convincing Conversations in Horror Stories

From ancient campfire tales to contemporary horror novels, the chilling power of the spoken word has never lost its grip on our collective fear. In horror stories, dialogues play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, building suspense, and unmasking the true nature of the characters. They are the undercurrents of dread that sweep readers into the depth of the story, infusing every word with an ominous chill.

In this post, we aim to provide a comprehensive exploration into crafting dialogues that evoke unease, provoke fear, and pull readers deeper into your haunted world. We will dive into the purpose of dialogues in horror writing, discuss techniques to create chilling and meaningful conversations, explore how these conversations can flesh out characters, and underscore the vital role of dialogues in advancing the plot.

The Purpose of Dialogues in Horror Writing

Dialogues in horror writing are not just exchanges of words but a powerful tool with several important functions. Let’s delve into how dialogues contribute to character development, build suspense and tension, and play a pivotal role in advancing the plot.

The Importance of Dialogues in Character Development

In any genre, the words a character speaks give readers insight into their personality, background, and motivations. In horror writing, dialogue plays an even more critical role as it offers glimpses into a character’s fears and vulnerabilities, all while maintaining the dark overtone of the narrative. Characters reveal themselves not just through their actions but also through their dialogues. The way they react to the unknown, their word choice when faced with fear, and even their silences can all provide valuable insights into their character, making them more relatable and their fear more palpable to readers.

Building Suspense and Tension through Dialogues

Horror thrives on suspense and tension, and dialogues are a key way to inject these elements into your story. A whispered secret, an ominous warning, or an interrupted confession can all send chills down a reader’s spine, leaving them anxious about what’s coming next. The conversations between characters can hide clues and riddles, escalating the mystery and anxiety. Also, by exploiting the “unreliable narrator” technique, the dialogue can contribute to the overall uncertainty and suspense of the plot.

The Role of Dialogues in Advancing the Plot Dialogues in horror stories can also be instrumental in pushing the plot forward. They can serve as a vehicle for revealing essential plot points without resorting to a direct narration, maintaining the intrigue and surprise element. Dialogues can also facilitate critical turning points in the story, such as a character’s realization of danger, the discovery of a dark secret, or the unveiling of a twist in the tale. In doing so, conversations serve as a bridge between different scenes or chapters, maintaining the story’s momentum and pacing.

In essence, dialogues in horror stories are far from mere chit-chat; they are purposeful, multi-faceted tools that can make your story come alive with suspense, depth, and a sense of impending dread.

Crafting Chilling and Meaningful Dialogues

Creating convincing conversations in horror stories requires meticulous crafting. Each line must serve a purpose and contribute to the atmosphere, characterization, or plot progression. Here’s how you can weave chilling and meaningful dialogues into your horror narrative.

Techniques for Creating Authentic, Character-Specific Dialogues

Effective dialogue in horror stories begins with understanding your characters deeply. Each character should have a unique voice that reflects their background, personality, and emotional state. A scientist might use precise, logical language, while a child might speak in simple, innocent phrases, and a menacing antagonist might opt for cryptic, unsettling speech. Consider your characters’ age, education, and origins when creating their dialogues. Using character-specific dialogue not only enhances the authenticity but also deepens the readers’ connection with the characters.

Conveying Fear and Suspense through Dialogue

Creating a sense of fear and suspense in dialogues is a delicate art. To convey fear, the dialogue should reflect the character’s emotional state – their shock, disbelief, or dread – while also painting vivid images in the reader’s mind. The use of short, sharp sentences can create a sense of urgency or panic. On the other hand, a slow, drawn-out conversation can build suspense, particularly when combined with evocative descriptions of the characters’ surroundings and reactions.

Use of Subtlety and Implication in Horror Dialogues Horror isn’t about the monstrous creatures that lurk in the dark; it’s about the unknown, the anticipation, the dread. Subtlety is your ally when it comes to crafting dialogues for horror stories. Rather than revealing the threat directly, use dialogues to hint at it, to imply the unseen terror. A whispered warning, a hushed rumor, or a carefully-worded question can sometimes be far scarier than a blatant revelation.

Balancing Between Saying Too Much and Saying Too Little

In horror writing, what is left unsaid can often be just as important as what is spoken. The key is to find the right balance. Saying too much can strip away the mystery and suspense, making the horror feel flat. On the other hand, saying too little can leave readers feeling lost or frustrated. A good strategy is to reveal just enough to keep the story moving and to stoke the readers’ curiosity, but not so much that it dispels the haunting sense of the unknown. Remember, crafting chilling and meaningful dialogues is a nuanced process, one that calls for careful consideration and fine-tuning. But with practice and patience, you can master the art of dreadful dialogues, making your horror stories more captivating and spine-chilling.

Adding Depth to Characters through Dialogues

Dialogues offer a valuable window into a character’s soul, revealing their traits, past, and relationships with others. They also serve as a subtle tool to depict the evolution or degradation of a character over time. Here’s how you can use dialogues to add depth to your characters.

Revealing Character Traits and Backstories through Dialogues

Every spoken word can give readers insights into a character’s mindset, personality, and history. For instance, a character’s dialect might indicate their geographical origin, their choice of words can hint at their education or occupation, and their tone can suggest their emotional state or personality type. Likewise, sprinkling hints about a character’s past within their dialogues can add intrigue and depth to their persona. Just ensure that these revelations feel organic to the conversation and don’t come off as forced exposition.

Using Dialogue to Highlight Character Relationships and Dynamics

The way characters converse with each other can also illuminate their relationships and dynamics. A character might speak with reverence to a respected elder, teasingly to a sibling, or cryptically to a rival. Their dialogues can reveal the power dynamics at play, the level of intimacy, or the hidden tensions between characters. An exchange of words can often be more revealing than any amount of direct narration.

Depicting Character Evolution or Degradation through Changes in Dialogue Over Time

As your horror story progresses, your characters might undergo significant changes – a brave character might be broken by fear, or a timid character might find their courage. These transformations can be subtly reflected in their dialogues. As characters evolve or degrade, their speech patterns, tone, and even vocabulary can change, mirroring their internal journey. This not only adds depth to the character but also enhances the overall impact of the narrative.

Remember, in a genre like horror where fear and suspense cloak every scene, the dialogues can serve as a lighthouse, guiding readers to understand your characters better, empathize with their fears, and get lost in the eerie world you’ve created.

Advancing the Plot via Dialogues

In addition to developing characters and setting the mood, dialogues in horror stories can be a driving force in propelling the plot. Let’s delve into how dialogues can reveal key plot points, foreshadow events, and influence the tension within your story.

Using Dialogues to Reveal Key Plot Points

Dialogues offer an engaging way to unravel the intricacies of the plot. Revealing key plot points through conversations makes the story feel more dynamic and less reliant on heavy narration. It could be a character revealing a dark secret, an overheard conversation hinting at a looming threat, or a confrontation leading to a shocking confession. Revealing plot points through dialogues requires careful crafting, but when done correctly, it can heighten the sense of realism and immediacy in your narrative.

Dialogue-Driven Foreshadowing and Hint-Dropping

Foreshadowing is a powerful technique in horror writing, and dialogues offer a subtle medium to achieve it. By incorporating veiled warnings, enigmatic prophecies, or ominous conversations into your story, you can provide readers with hints about the horrors to come. This not only creates a lingering sense of unease but also keeps readers intrigued and eager to unravel the mystery.

How Conversations Can Escalate or Alleviate Tension in the Plot

Dialogues can also serve as a valuable tool to manipulate the tension within your story. An intense argument or a fearful confession can escalate the suspense, while a moment of humor or a heartening conversation can offer brief respite, amplifying the impact of the next tension-filled scene. Using dialogues to modulate tension helps maintain pacing, ensuring that your horror story keeps readers on edge while also providing moments of relief.

Remember, every conversation in your story is an opportunity to advance the plot, drop clues, and adjust the tension. Using dialogues strategically can not only enhance the flow of your narrative but also deepen the immersive horror experience for your readers.

The Role of Editors in Shaping Dialogues

Behind every effective dialogue in horror stories often stands an editor who has meticulously shaped, polished, and fine-tuned the conversation to hit all the right notes. Let’s explore how professional editing services contribute to enhancing the quality of dialogues and their effectiveness in the narrative.

Enhancing Dialogue Quality with Professional Editing Services

An experienced editor is instrumental in elevating the quality of dialogues. They help with grammar, punctuation, and syntax, ensuring the dialogue reads smoothly and naturally. But their role goes beyond mere proofreading. They scrutinize each line for clarity, brevity, and impact, pruning unnecessary words and enhancing the dialogue’s power to evoke emotions and create suspense.

Maintaining Consistency in Character Voices

Consistency in character voices is vital for authenticity and continuity. Editors play a crucial role in safeguarding this consistency. They keep track of each character’s unique speech patterns, dialect, and vocabulary, ensuring these elements remain constant throughout the narrative. If a shy character suddenly becomes loquacious, or a scholarly character starts using slang, the editor is there to flag the discrepancy and ensure the character’s voice stays true to their personality and background.

Ensuring Dialogues Contribute Effectively to the Narrative

Editors also ensure that every piece of dialogue serves a purpose in the overall narrative. They assess whether the dialogues advance the plot, reveal character traits, build tension, or provide necessary information. If a dialogue doesn’t contribute to the story in some meaningful way, the editor can suggest revisions or cuts to maintain the narrative’s momentum and coherence.

Objectivity in Assessing Dialogue Believability and Natural Flow

An editor’s objectivity is invaluable in assessing the believability and flow of dialogues. As the writer, you might be too close to the work to see when a conversation feels forced or unnatural. An editor provides a fresh, unbiased perspective, identifying areas where the dialogue seems artificial or disjointed. They help ensure that the dialogues feel genuine, maintain a natural flow, and resonate with the readers.

In essence, a professional editor is an indispensable ally in your horror writing journey. Their expertise and objective assessment can help refine your dialogues, ensuring they are as chilling, meaningful, and effective as they can be.

Dialogues in horror stories serve as more than mere exchanges of information. They are powerful tools that can breathe life into your characters, amplify suspense, unveil crucial plot twists, and imbue your narrative with a chilling authenticity. Crafting effective dialogues in horror writing demands careful consideration of each character’s unique voice, the careful balance of revelation and restraint, and the strategic use of conversation to enhance tension and propel the plot.

As we delve into the craft of writing horror stories, it’s clear that dreadful dialogues – chilling and meaningful – can be your ally in creating an immersive and terrifying experience for your readers. And as you wield this potent tool, remember the valuable role an editor can play in shaping your terrifying tale into its most effective form. In the end, the craft of horror writing is a collaborative dance between the writer’s creativity and the editor’s keen judgement, ultimately leaving readers on the edge of their seat, under the spell of your dreadful dialogues.

The post Dreadful Dialogues: Crafting Convincing Conversations in Horror Stories appeared first on The Horror Tree .