Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the part of a narrative where the conflict is resolved and the story comes to a close. This is where the main threads of the plot are tied up, providing a sense of closure for the reader while often highlighting the themes or messages of the story. The resolution serves as a crucial endpoint that reinforces the emotional journey experienced throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The resolution is essential for providing closure and answering any lingering questions raised throughout the story.
2. In various narrative structures, the resolution can vary in length and complexity, depending on how much detail is necessary to tie up loose ends.
3. Effective resolutions often reflect character development, showing how characters have changed or what they have learned by the end of the story.
4. Resolutions can be positive, negative, or ambiguous, each serving different purposes in conveying the narrative's themes.
5. In literary journalism, resolutions may not follow traditional narrative arcs but instead focus on real-life implications and outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does the resolution contribute to character development within a narrative?
  • The resolution plays a significant role in character development by showcasing how characters have evolved throughout the story. As conflicts are resolved, readers see how characters respond to challenges and whether they have learned from their experiences. This growth can be pivotal in reinforcing the themes of the narrative, illustrating not just the outcome of events but also personal transformations that resonate with readers.
• What are some common techniques used to craft an effective resolution in storytelling?
  • Common techniques for crafting an effective resolution include tying up major plot threads to provide closure, revealing consequences of character decisions made during conflicts, and emphasizing thematic elements that underline the narrative's message. Additionally, authors may use foreshadowing to hint at outcomes or employ symbolism that resonates with key moments in the story, enriching the overall impact of the resolution on readers.
• Evaluate how different narrative structures influence the construction of resolutions in storytelling.
  • Different narrative structures greatly influence how resolutions are constructed and delivered. In a chronological structure, resolutions tend to follow a linear path, making it clear how events lead to their conclusion. In contrast, non-linear structures might present resolutions that are surprising or challenge conventional expectations. Additionally, structures like the inverted pyramid can prioritize key points over traditional narrative arcs, prompting resolutions that focus more on facts or implications rather than character-driven conclusions. This variation affects how readers perceive closure and meaning within different stories.

Related terms

Climax:

The climax is the turning point in a narrative where the main conflict reaches its highest intensity, leading to the eventual resolution.

Denouement: Denouement is another term for the resolution, often used to describe the final outcomes and implications following the climax in a narrative.

Conflict:

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, driving the plot and ultimately leading to its resolution.