Chapter Endings That Hook Readers Until The Last Page

An author’s goal for any novel is to capture the reader’s attention with a memorable opening line that lures the reader in then keeps them turning pages. The hook is like the delicious appetizer before the main meal, but that is not enough. The author must keep readers begging for more. Chapter endings play a crucial role. As a writer you must be mindful of this concept with every chapter of your story. You must fulfill the promise of your book’s essence and carry that unique premise throughout the narrative with prose, dialogue, scenes, interesting characters, and chapter endings that make the reader long to see what happens next.

There is no one-size-fits-all for ending a chapter, but there are ideas that authors can mix and match as they end each chapter. Deciding which ending to employ depends on what the chapter is about. So, don’t just write each chapter, immerse yourself in it, identify with your characters and scenes, and read it intimately again before you choose your ending.

During the editing process go back and reread each chapter ending to make sure you have accomplished your goal. Read each one with fresh eyes. Pretend you are a potential reader. Will the last line or two provoke the reader’s attention enough to prompt them to read on? If the answer is yes then fantastic, now see if the next chapter enhances the one before and continues to move the narrative along even if there is a drastic setting change or the introduction of a new character. If the answer is no, go back to the chapter-ending drawing board.

Even if your story has multiple points of view, and the next chapter changes that POV, you still want to end the previous chapter in a way that fosters a longing for the subsequent chapter that ties into that last POV.

CHAPTER ENDINGS THAT STRIKE A CORD

Using examples from my soon-to-be published debut novel, Threads of Red, I illustrate the ways in which I have chosen to end chapters. Threads of Red is a fated, romantic fantasy that blends supernatural elements, suspense, and an Asian myth about the Red String of Fate.

~~~I'm so excited to announce that Threads of Red is under contract.~~~

TRY A FEW OF THESE:

When there’s a lot going on in a novel this technique gives readers a respite. Slow down the pace so they can take a breath in between chapters. Let them have a peaceful moment with your characters, one that evokes emotions and really gets into the character’s head space. This is another way to forge a connection between reader and character. Let them feel along with the character. This intimacy will ready them for chapters to come.

AI Generated Book Cover

To illustrate this mechanism, I include two examples of chapter-conclusions that speak to both Ellie’s and Ezekiel’s deep feelings for each other while providing a tranquil ending to each chapter.

“Ezekiel Larson you are the most amazing person. I love it, and I love you with all my heart and soul.”

“I love when you’re nestled here on my chest. I love the scent of your hair and the warmth of your body on mine. You’re tied to me forever, Ellie.”

The cliffhanger is probably one of the more widely used chapter endings. We also see it in TV series and movies with multiple parts. It’s that unexpected twist that builds suspense and anticipation for what might be next. It’s often ambiguous, on purpose, to keep the reader guessing and trigger their imagination. What will happen next? Will their hypothesis come to fruition so they can triumphantly say, “I knew it” or will they be taken by surprise? Either way, it guarantees that pages will turn.

This cliffhanger chapter-close from Threads of Red compels the reader to proceed to the next chapter. It is from the POV of the main male character, Hollywood superstar, Ezekiel Larson.

Sweat trickled down his back. An icy knot gathered in his gut. His heart pumped so fast, he thought he might pass out. She’s not dead, she can’t be.

Here's another chapter-ending cliffhanger. The antagonist and crazy stalker, Alana, sends a dark yet illuminating DVD to the objects of her obsession, Ellie and Ezekiel. While she doesn’t reveal herself, she makes her intent plain through dialogue and invokes fear in the minds of the couple.

“You think you’re so safe and secure in your Hollywood mansion, that no one could possibly gain access. Ha-ha, I’m in the shadows and hiding in plain sight. Think about that when you go to sleep tonight."

Darkness enveloped the screen then the camera panned across the outside of a home — their home. “Bang, bang, Ellie, you’re dead.”

This elicits a response from the reader. What will happen next? Will the stalker ambush them when they are asleep? Will they be able to sleep with this wild threat looming? Will the predator succeed in killing Ellie? Will she ever be captured and prosecuted? Inquiring minds want to find out, so they’ll flip the page.

Strike a balance between the reveal and the chapter-ending hook. Hinting at something can arouse excitement among readers and make them speculate about things to come. Revealing new information can have the same effect. It can lead them to rifle through the pages of your book in anticipation. So, give a smidge and hold the details. Revelations about a character’s inner thoughts or feelings can also provoke anticipation and spark page turning.

In this chapter-ending reveal, Ellie and Ezekiel are having a moment. Ellie is joking, but Ezekiel reveals his sweet side and speaks his truth. He clearly would like to have a baby with Ellie. He divulges this without actually saying it. Keep the mystery going, while feeding readers a tidbit about the character’s secret desires. Will they have a baby? Readers will want to know.

She huffed. “You’d probably like me barefoot and pregnant too.” 

He spun her around. His face lit up with his most adorable smirk. “Just say the word.”

Below is a more obvious revelation that is also new information. Ellie has poked the hornet’s nest, and she knows it by the tense reaction she receives. Readers will be eager to discover, along with Ellie, exactly what is on the second floor of Ezekiel's closet and why it’s forbidden territory.

“What’s on the second level of your closet?” Sniffing out weird vibes was her specialty.

“Nothing,” he said way too fast. “Just storage.” His body tensed. Ellie had clearly crossed into forbidden territory.

End the chapter with a question to stir the reader’s imagination. Allow that question to offer a whisper about the more profound soul of your story. The goal is to have the reader ponder possible answers while simultaneously absorbing the underlying bones of the novel.

Here is an example of a chapter-ending question from Threads of Red. Ellie, the protagonist, is inexplicably drawn to a celebrity she’s never met and probably never will meet. She contemplates a vital question that gets readers thinking there may be more to this story than meets the eye. Readers will be itching to find out what that is.

Was the thought of him a delicious escape or was it something more?

This chapter-ending method gives the reader insight into the character’s growth, introduces a reason for the traits and/or flaws he or she displays, or allows the reader an intimate peek into the character’s mindset. This helps readers connect with the character. That connection can be a positive one that causes them to cheer for the character, or it can lead to understanding the character’s mindset, while maintaining the reader’s love/hate relationship with that character.

Below is a character-moment, chapter-finish from Threads of Red that focuses on the POV of the main male character, Ezekiel Larson. It speaks to his resolute trait, his status in the world, his goals, and an unexpected soft side that portrays vulnerability. He cannot control whether he will ever meet the woman he dreams of. His inability to command the situation and his longing for her is palpable. The anticipation leading up to him finding her will resonate with readers, so pages will turn.

His latest film, Espresso, couldn’t wrap fast enough. The Hollywood scene and A-list status paled in comparison to his growing appetite for the woman from his dreams. A dominant man, accustomed to determining the course of his life waited ineffective and powerless, as the minutes without her ticked by.

Here is a chapter conclusion with a character moment that focuses on the antagonist, Alana. It’s a moment that helps readers understand how Alana feels about herself, but will that be enough for readers to root for her? Will they understand, but love to hate her? She’s a complex, well-developed character with a scheming personality who attaches the Queen moniker to her name. This says a lot about who she is and who she wishes she were. Readers will need to draw their own conclusions about her, but because of her character moment at the end of the chapter, they have some insight and can make a connection. At the very least they will want to learn more about her.

A new day dawned in the life of the extra girl, the spare. He needed to hold her, to protect and love her. Queen Alana’s day approached.

She concocted a diabolical plan. The proverbial understudy never to walk the stage, never, to receive the accolades, the adoration, or the love, would debut in the most cunning way imaginable.

Foreshadowing is an excellent tool for finishing a chapter with whispers of what will come next. Remember not to give too much detail.

In this chapter from Threads of Red, foreshadowing is implemented at the end to resolve the section while leaving the reader with an inkling that a discovery is on the horizon. Ellie is having breakfast with her friend Kym who is a psychic medium and has knowledge about many esoteric subjects including the ancient Asian myth about the red string of fate. They are speaking here about Ezekiel, and the power of the red string to bring souls together.

“Whatever,” Ellie said, shrugging. “It doesn’t matter, he’s impossible to reach.”

Kym grabbed a forkful of pancakes. “Not impossible, you belong to him. Your love is destined.”

“I belong to no one,” Ellie said in a snit, trying to stomach a bite of French toast. “The red string has no power over me anymore.”

“So why are you still wearing it?”

This makes the reader pause and think. Will she ever meet him? Does the red string have power over her? Why is she still wearing it if she’s saying he’s impossible to meet and it has no power over her? What is the magic of the red string? Does it have a powerful influence? If readers want to find out what happens and understand why she is compelled to still wear the red cord they will read on.

Give each of your chapters a suitable ending that keeps the intrigue and mystery going while urging readers to read, read, read!