Endings 6: Something Has Changed

This is part one of an ongoing series of posts on elements that make endings work. The intro is here.6. Something has changedThis element is a reinforcement of the general rule that no story should be just a day in the life. Specifically as it relates to ending though: The word climax really means a turning point. Something has changed inalterably during the course of the action. That’s why it’s point A to point B, not to point A. It may be a change in consciousness or societal norms. But it’s something, and it matters. Otherwise, it’s all ho-hum and the feeling will likely be wondering what the point of all that was.