What Happens After the Climax of Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay

The resolution comes immediately after the climax of your novel, memoir, screenplay.

The true ending of the story is the climax.

The resolution actually is the beginning of a new story, one that starts with the protagonist having succeeded in what felt like at the climax a life-or-death struggle. With the end of that struggle, something else begins.

There is never an ending without a beginning.

Just as the resolution is the beginning of a new story, in the same way, when the inciting incident begins the story, that beginning marks the end of the protagonist's life as she knew it before the incident occurs.

Plot Tip:

Show in the resolution what life looks like now that the protagonist has transformed and how the world around her embraces her internal changes. No matter what she has lost and gained in the course of the story, at the resolution show us a glimpse of the new beginning life offers her now.

Be aware when you begin the story at the beginning what ends for the protagonist. In other words, what did she most want one second before the story begins? An awareness of what has ended in beginning the story gives your story more depth by reinforcing the idea that there is no beginning without an end and no end without a beginning. Because, in truth and the Universal Story, there is no beginning and there is no end.

(Excerpt from The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.)

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Knowing what to write where in a story with a plot reinforces daily writing practice and allows for more productivity in your writing. Whether writing a first draft or revising, if you falter wondering what comes next in a story with a plot, follow the prompts inThe Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing.

Today, I write.

To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms used here and in the PW Book of Prompts:
1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.
2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
4) Visit:
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Plot Whisperer on Pinterest

Speaking of Climax

A recent plot consultation reflects confusion many writers have about the Climax of their stories.

In telling me the end (1/4) of her story, the writer describes her climax  which is the perfect and unexpected (twist) end for the dramatic action plot. Problems arise as another seven to nine major scenes and chapters follow what the writer had labeled as the climax to her story. 

The climax brings the energy of the overall story to a head and once it is over, the story is over, too. One chapter or scene follows the climax to bring the story to resolution but no more than that. When the energy is over, the story is over. To take the story further, though most readers never want a story they love to end, even the most loyal reader loses her enthusiasm as the story drags on and energy peters out.

However, in the consultation, it quickly becomes evident that the energy of the story does not lessen but does, in fact, grow. And, of the scenes that follow what she calls her climax, the second to the last chapter is the true climax -- this one being the character emotional development climax.

Yes, in most stories, both the dramatic action plot and character emotional development plot usually coalesce at the end for more punch and impact though, in this case, the character emotional development plot climax carries tremendous energy and excitement and shows the character at her most transformed and doing something she was unable to do anywhere else in the story. She needed to experience every other scene in order to die to who she has always been and rise up out of the ashes. 

Her story begins with the character emotional development plot and it is fitting and right that the crowning glory of the story revolve around the character emotional development plot. 

I have said it before:

Beginning hook readers.

Ending creates fans.

Watch how and where you end your story in order to keep your fans happy and satisfied and eager for your next release.

Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information.