Spider-Man: No Way Home has a bittersweet ending because the world is unfair and a sacrifice is needed to save the day.
The Four Ways to Create a Bittersweet Ending
Character karma doesn't stop us from creating complex and nuanced stories.
Latest in Endings
Six Types of Downward Turning Points
Downward turning points make failure feel satisfying.
How to Create an Unhappy Ending
In a truly tragic story, the hero fails because they made the wrong choice.
Q&A: Are Epilogues Good or Bad?
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Five Stories With Unsatisfying Endings
An unsatisfying ending ruins the lasting impression a story leaves.
Episode 307: Constructing a Tragedy
In storytelling, happy endings are the default for good reason.
The Climaxes of Marvel’s Phase Three, Part 2
Will these final films improve, or will Marvel's tradition of shoddy endings continue?
The Mixed Climaxes of Marvel’s Phase Three, Part 1
Can Marvel's next series of climaxes avoid mediocrity?
Star Trek Series Finales From Worst to Best
Long-running series must face the challenge of meeting expectations and providing closure.
The Good and Bad Climaxes From Marvel’s Phase Two
Despite its spotty track record, Marvel manages to present a mixed bag.
Five Stories With Anticlimactic Endings
When the climax is a disappointment, the whole story suffers.
Eight Ways to Hook Readers at the End of Chapters
Just one more chapter... just one more chapter... just one more... just one more...
Six Stories With Failed Turning Points
Turning points are critical to a good story.
Seven Signs a Sequel Will Be Bad
When you finish a good story, your first instinct is probably to check if there’s a sequel.
Six Types of Turning Points for Climaxes
Without a good turning point, endings don't feel satisfying.
Five Stories That End With Bizarre Reveals
These eleventh-hour twists left readers with far more questions than answers.
The Big Problem With Uncertain Endings
The ultimate answer to why you should never leave readers hanging.
Oren Ashkenazi