5 Steps To Write A Satisfying End To Your Story

Prove Your Hero Has Transformed

Hey there!

We’ve reached the 2nd to last beat in the Save The Cat story structure: the Finale.

Last time, we covered the Break Into 3 beat, where your hero figures out what needs to be done to accomplish their goal. Now, the Finale is where they do it.

The Finale has two key goals:

1. Resolve the problems created in Act 2.

2. Prove that your hero has transformed.

This is where everything comes together.

Your hero puts their plan into action, faces their biggest obstacles, and proves they've truly changed.

Let’s break it down.

The Five-Point Finale

Blake Snyder says you should think of every finale as "storming the castle."

Even if your story doesn't have a castle, this metaphor works.

Here's how it goes:

• Step 1: Plan The hero and team make a plan to storm the castle and rescue the princess trapped in the tower.

• Step 2: Action The plan goes smoothly at first—the heroes breach the walls and enter the villain's fortress.

• Step 3: Surprise But when they reach the tower, the princess is gone, and it’s a trap! The villain has tricked them.

• Step 4: Regroup The hero must quickly come up with a new plan, find their strength, and push through the obstacle.

• Step 5: Replay The hero improvises, executes a new plan, defeats the villain, and rescues the princess, completing the mission.

This structure works because it keeps the tension high right up to the end. Just when you think it's over, there's another obstacle. Which forces the hero to prove they've really changed.

Let’s look at an example.

Example: Dune

If you haven’t read Dune (or seen the movie), don’t worry. Here’s the quick version:

Paul Atreides, the hero, comes to Arrakis (a desert planet) with his family. Arrakis is the only place where you can find spice, which is the most valuable thing in the universe. But when Paul’s family is betrayed by the Harkonnens, he’s forced to flee into the desert.

That’s where Paul finds out he’s the Kwisatz Haderach, a kind of prophesied leader. He joins forces with the Fremen, the desert warriors, and now, it’s time for him to take back what’s his.

Here’s how the Finale plays out:

1. Plan the Attack

Paul knows the Harkonnens are holding Arrakis, but he’s not going in alone.

He teams up with the Fremen, using their skills and his new powers to launch a final attack. His plan?

Take control of the spice and reclaim Arrakis.

2. The Attack Begins

Paul leads the Fremen in a surprise attack.

It’s working. They’re using guerrilla tactics and taking down the Harkonnens, piece by piece.

Everything looks like it’s going according to plan.

3. Something Goes Wrong

Just when it seems like they’ve won, the Emperor himself shows up with his forces.

This is way bigger than Paul expected. Now, the stakes are through the roof. The Fremen can’t just beat the Harkonnens—they’ve got to take down the Emperor too.

4. Find a New Solution

Paul has to think fast.

He uses his new powers of foresight and comes up with a different plan. He challenges the Emperor directly. Paul doesn’t just fight with weapons—he plays the political game too.

His ability to see the future helps him make the right moves.

5. Final Victory

Paul wins.

He takes down the Harkonnens, defeats the Emperor, claims control of Arrakis, and secures the spice. His victory is both external (he’s taken the planet) and internal (he’s fully embraced his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach).

Whether you're writing sci-fi, fantasy, or even a personal drama, this structure helps you wrap up both your hero’s external struggles and their internal growth.

Now, let's take a look at how AI can help you write your Finale.

Write A Five-Point Finale With AI

This prompt will help you write a first draft for your story Finale.

Here's how to use it:

1. Open your AI writing assistant (like ChatGPT).

2. Copy and paste the prompt below.

3. Fill in the blanks with details about your story.

4. Run the prompt and see what ideas the AI generates.

5. Use these ideas as a starting point, then add your personal touch.

Here's the prompt: