Another way is to end with a twist. This completely changes the way the reader has been perceiving the story all along. For instance, in a thriller, the seemingly good guy turns out to be the mastermind behind all the chaos at the end. It makes the story memorable.
You can end a story with a cliffhanger if you plan on writing a sequel. It keeps the readers interested and eager for more. However, this should be done carefully as it can also frustrate some readers if not handled well.
One good way is to end with a sense of resolution. For example, in a mystery story, the detective finally reveals who the culprit is and how the crime was committed. This gives the reader a feeling of closure. Another way is with a moral or lesson. If it's a fable, the end could show what the characters learned from their experiences, like 'And so the little hare learned that overconfidence can lead to defeat.' A third way could be an open - ended finish that makes the reader think. Maybe the main character is about to embark on a new adventure, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen next.
One good way is to have the main character wake up and realize it was all a dream. It gives a sense of relief and also a bit of a twist. For example, the character has been haunted by a ghost throughout the story, facing all kinds of terrifying situations, and then suddenly they open their eyes in their own warm bed, with the morning sun shining through the window.
Ending with a sense of unresolved mystery can be effective too. Maybe the source of the horror is never fully explained, like a strange noise in the attic that just stops, leaving the characters and the reader in a state of unease, wondering what it really was. This makes the horror linger in the reader's mind long after they've finished the story.
One good way is with a final, tragic death. For example, the protagonist, who has been haunted by the dark secrets of the old mansion throughout the story, finally succumbs to the evil forces within it. This gives a sense of inescapable doom which is typical in gothic stories.
Another way is to end the love story with a sense of acceptance. The couple has faced many challenges and differences that they couldn't overcome. Instead of fighting or resenting each other, they accept that their love has run its course and part with a mutual understanding and respect.
Ending with a moment of self - realization can be great. Suppose a character has been very selfish throughout the story. At the end, they see how their actions have affected others and make a decision to change. This gives a feeling of growth and hope. You can write something like 'She looked at the mess she had made of people's lives and for the first time, she understood. She would be different from now on.'
One good way is with a sudden disappearance of the ghost. For example, just as the main character is about to confront the ghost, it vanishes into thin air, leaving behind only a cold breeze. This creates a sense of mystery and unease.
Ending with a moment of self - discovery for the main character can be great. Let's say in a story about a lost young person, at the end, they finally figure out who they are and what they want in life. It gives a sense of closure and growth. It could be something like the character looking at their reflection and smiling, knowing they are on the right path now.
Ending with a moment of self - discovery for the main character is good. Let's say the character has been on a journey of self - hatred, but at the end, they finally accept and love themselves. This internal transformation can be a powerful way to conclude the novel.
A sad way to end a story is through separation. Like in a story about a family being torn apart by war or some other external force. The family members are scattered, and they may never see each other again. Another sad ending can be the loss of hope. When the protagonist, who has been fighting against all odds, finally gives up and succumbs to the despair. For instance, a character who has been trying to find a cure for a disease but realizes there is no hope left and just waits for death. And then there is the betrayal ending. Where a character who is trusted deeply by the protagonist turns out to be the one causing all the harm, and the protagonist is left alone and broken.