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What is a denouement?

The word is from French and means ‘untying’.

It is the final part of a work of fiction where strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved. The denouement occurs after the climax of the plot. Secrets are revealed and loose ends tied up.

Only use a denouement if it adds to your story, or if your plot requires one.

Three Examples of Effective Denouements

Romeo and Juliet: The climax is the death of Romeo and Juliet. The denouement comes when the families find their bodies and they are told their deaths are a result of the family feud.

To Kill a Mockingbird: The climax of the story is the attack on Scout. The denouement includes the Sheriff and Atticus trying to cover up Boo Radley’s stabbing of Bob Ewell, and Jem coming to terms with the injustice of the trial.

The Silence of the Lambs: The climax is the capture of Buffalo Bill. The denouement is Hannibal’s phone call to Clarice Starling telling her he’s having a friend for dinner.

Source: Writers Write.

What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it.

J.D. Salinger