✅ Rule #8: Never Leave Characters Hanging
- haleyn4
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Readers invest in your story not just for the action, the twists, or even the world you’ve built—they invest because they care about the characters. And nothing frustrates readers more than when those characters’ journeys end abruptly or without resolution.
That’s why Rule #8 is essential: Always conclude each character’s journey thoughtfully. Whether your ending is triumphant, tragic, or bittersweet, it must give readers a sense of closure and satisfaction.
Why Character Closure Matters
Respect for the Reader – Readers stick with your story because they’re emotionally attached to your characters. Closure honors that investment.
Emotional Payoff – A complete character arc leaves readers feeling fulfilled, even if the outcome is painful.
Thematic Resolution – Your characters’ endings reinforce the story’s deeper meaning.
How to Ensure You Don’t Leave Characters Hanging
Close Every Arc – If you introduce a significant character, make sure their journey has an ending—big or small.
Match the Ending to the Character – A hero’s resolution should reflect their growth (or failure to grow).
Avoid “Vanishing Characters” – Don’t let important characters disappear without explanation.
Think Cinematically – Imagine the final shot of each character. What image lingers in the audience’s mind?
The Cinematic Effect
Films always resolve character arcs—even secondary ones—because the audience expects to walk away knowing what happened to everyone who mattered. As a writer adapting screenwriting principles to print, you must give readers that same sense of satisfaction.
The Payoff
When you tie up your characters’ journeys with intention, your story feels complete. Readers leave the book with closure, reflection, and—most importantly—a lasting emotional connection.
🎯 Pro Tip: In your final draft, make a list of every character with a meaningful role. Ask: Does each one have a clear resolution by the end of the story? If not, rewrite until they do.