Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the part of a narrative where the conflict is resolved and the story reaches a conclusion. It often follows the climax and serves to tie up loose ends, providing closure for the characters and the audience. In this phase, the outcomes of the characters' struggles become clear, allowing for reflection on the themes and lessons of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution typically answers key questions about what happens to the main characters after the climax, providing a sense of closure.
2. In many stories, resolution can also highlight changes in characters, showing growth or transformation resulting from their experiences.
3. The effectiveness of a resolution often depends on how well it aligns with the themes and conflicts presented earlier in the narrative.
4. Some narratives may have an open-ended resolution, leaving some questions unanswered and allowing for interpretation by the audience.
5. The resolution can vary significantly between genres; for example, a tragedy may conclude with loss or failure, while a comedy often ends with harmony or reconciliation.

Review Questions

• How does resolution function in relation to climax within a narrative structure?
  • Resolution serves as the conclusion following the climax, which is the peak of tension in the story. While the climax presents a crucial turning point where conflicts are confronted, resolution provides closure by resolving these conflicts and clarifying outcomes. This relationship is vital for creating a satisfying narrative arc that allows readers to reflect on what they have experienced.
• Discuss how character development is often highlighted in the resolution of a narrative.
  • In resolution, character development becomes evident as it reveals how characters have changed throughout the story. The outcomes in this phase showcase their growth or setbacks as a result of their experiences and conflicts faced. This transformation can reinforce the story's themes, emphasizing moral lessons or emotional truths that resonate with the audience.
• Evaluate the impact of an open-ended resolution on audience interpretation and engagement with a narrative.
  • An open-ended resolution invites audiences to actively engage with the narrative by prompting them to contemplate unresolved questions and outcomes. This lack of closure encourages deeper analysis and personal interpretation, fostering discussions about character motivations, themes, and potential futures. Such resolutions can enhance emotional investment in the story, as audiences are left to ponder possibilities beyond what is explicitly shown.

Related terms

Climax:

The climax is the turning point in a narrative, where tension reaches its peak and the main conflict is confronted.

Conflict:

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative forward and creates tension within the story.

Denouement: Denouement is a French term that refers to the final part of a narrative where all plot strands are drawn together and matters are resolved.