There are several different types of alternative endings to a story that can be considered, depending on the tone and purpose desired:
- Circular Ending: The story ends by coming full circle, returning to the starting point with subtle changes that show character growth.
- Resolved Ending: All loose ends are tied up and the story reaches a clear conclusion, providing closure.
- Unresolved Ending: Leaves some questions unanswered or presents a cliffhanger to continue in a sequel.
- Ambiguous Ending: Leaves the conclusion open to interpretation, encouraging readers to think and discuss possible outcomes.
- Unexpected Ending: A surprise twist that changes the reader's understanding of the story's events.
- Expanded Ending: An epilogue or additional segment that shows what happens after the main story ends.
For example, instead of a character deciding to leave a haunted place out of fear, the story could be changed so the character confronts and discovers the truth behind the ghost, revealing it to be a trick or illusion. Or the story could end on a hopeful note with characters maintaining their bond and showing courage rather than fleeing. Another option is to add a flash forward showing the long-term outcomes for the characters after the main events. Choosing among these types depends on whether the aim is to provide closure, provoke thought, surprise, or extend the narrative for future developments.
