What Is Denouement (Besides A Fun Word To Say)?

When I first started submerging myself in writing lingo, I listened to podcasts by authors. I heard the word denouement several times and recognized it as French, but I had no clue what it meant. While the word itself isn’t mandatory to know as a writer, what it represents for your story is very important. The denouement is the end of your story.

Definition Of Denouement

I studied French in college, but whoever wrote the standard vocabulary lists in textbooks didn’t think it was important for me to learn this word to live among the French. Denouement comes from the French verb dénouer, which means to unknot or untie. Originally, the word was used to describe the fallout after the story’s climax because the writer had to “untie” all the knots made by conflict throughout the book. Denouement is now commonly used to mean outcome or conclusion.

Writing The Denouement

After the protagonist solves the main conflict of the book, the story needs to be put to rest. Every plot thread needs to be completed. This includes, but is not limited to, relationships that developed, small conflicts that were faced, and mysteries introduced. The readers should finish the book with all their questions answered and their curiosity quenched. 

Once everything is explained and closed, a new normal has to be established for the protagonist. This leaves the reader understanding that life is normal again, but the protagonist has changed. It doesn’t mean you have to say that the protagonist now lives a boring life, but the reader should walk away from the book with an idea of how the protagonist will spend his time. Whether that’s hunting down criminals or knitting scarfs, it doesn’t matter. Just give the protagonist a life to keep living even after the pages run out.

Final Thoughts

While the denouement can be hard to write, it can also be fun. This is where you can throw in some really emotional and impactful scenes to linger in your readers’ heads long after the story is over. Make them cry, laugh—whatever! It’s not easy, but I like a good challenge. Do you?

Thanks for reading!

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