Okay, let’s get back to our discussion of narrative structure.
The RESOLUTION of a story is a tying up of all (or most) narrative threads and a satisfying ending to the CONFLICT.
One of the many definitions for the word resolution is: The answer to a problem.
Although this definition generally applies to mathematics, it is also apropos in a discussion of writing. In creating characters, environments and conflicts for your story, you have designed a problem, which is: How to resolve everything in a way that satisfies the reader.
That is why many writers plan out their work according to a guideline like this one. In that way, they can design their resolution, and be certain they are moving the story toward a satisfying conclusion. The other option is to write madly, advancing ever forward, hoping that when the time for resolution arrives you have a blast of ingenious inspiration.
This is a legitimate approach, and I don’t mean to belittle it, but personally, I find it a little too risky, especially when I am delivering a commercial product. My editor expects a professional job, and part of that is having a good ending.
I like to know where I’m going.
This doesn’t mean that if inspiration occurs while writing the piece, you are married to your notes. You can always go another way if you think of something better. But at least it means that you have a workable resolution in the event genius doesn’t strike like lightning at the eleventh hour.
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