Cliffhangers are a powerful narrative tool used by writers to captivate their audiences, leaving them eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Let’s look at six types of cliffhangers, with an example for each and why the example works.
Finally, I’ll end with some suggestions about your using cliffhangers in your writings.
1. The Love Triangle That Remains Unresolved. The unresolved love triangle is a classic cliffhanger in romantic genres. It leaves the audience torn between two potential love interests vying for the protagonist's affection. This type of cliffhanger thrives on emotional tension and character development.
In "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer, Bella Swan is caught between her love for Edward Cullen and her deep connection with Jacob Black. Each book in the series pushes this love triangle to new heights, leaving fans fervently awaiting Bella's decision.
Why It Works: It taps into readers' emotions, making them emotionally invested in the characters' relationships. The unresolved romantic tension keeps the audience coming back to see how it unfolds.
2. A death or accident that was not anticipated. An unexpected death or accident cliffhanger can dramatically alter the storyline, leaving the audience in shock and bewilderment. This type presents a significant shake-up, compelling the audience to continue reading or watching to understand the repercussions.
In "Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin, the unexpected death of Ned Stark in the first book was a jaw-dropping moment. It not only subverted expectations but also set the stage for the tumultuous events that followed.
Why It Works: The shock value of an unexpected death or accident creates an immediate emotional response, heightening interest and increasing the stakes of the story.
3. Inquire about something. This cliffhanger type ends with a critical, suspenseful question that demands an answer. The plot reaches a pivotal moment, and just as the audience is about to learn something crucial, the story cuts off, leaving a question hanging in the air.
In "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, several chapters end with questions about the mysteries surrounding the Holy Grail. Each question propels readers forward, seeking answers and solutions.
Why It Works: Questions ignite curiosity and compel the audience to seek resolution. The need to answer, "what happens next?" drives them to continue with the story.
4. The horizon holds hope. This cliffhanger teases the promise of resolution or salvation, giving the audience a glimmer of hope but not fully delivering it. The audience is left yearning to see if the characters will finally achieve their goals.
In "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, the first book ends with Katniss and Peeta surviving the games, but the threat of the Capitol looms large. While they have hope for a future together, the uncertainty of their safety drives the audience to the next book.
Why It Works: By offering a glimpse of potential happiness or success, this cliffhanger creates an emotional longing for resolution, making the audience invested in the character's journey.
5. Exclude the closure. This type of cliffhanger deliberately withholds resolution, leaving important plot points unresolved. The story may end on a note that makes the audience question everything they thought they knew.
"Empire Strikes Back" (Star Wars Episode V) ends with several unresolved plotlines: Luke has learned a shocking truth about his heritage, Han Solo is in carbonite, and the Rebellion is on the brink. Viewers are left with no closure, eager to see how these threads will unravel.
Why It Works: The lack of closure drives the audience to seek out the answers and resolutions in subsequent parts, maintaining their engagement and interest.
6. Dangle someone from a cliff. This literal cliffhanger puts a character in immediate physical danger, leaving their fate undetermined. The tension arises from the precarious situation that demands resolution in the next installment.
In the 1966 Batman television series, episodes frequently ended with Batman and Robin in seemingly inescapable peril, including literal cliffs. These situations ensured viewers would return to see how the heroes would survive.
Why It Works: This creates immediate, high-stakes suspense and a visceral reaction from the audience. The need to resolve the life-threatening situation compels viewers to return.
Some advice?
1. Match the cliffhanger to your genre: Choose a cliffhanger type that aligns with your story's tone and genre. For example, a love triangle works well in romance, while an unexpected death is effective in thriller genres.
2. Frame your cliffhanger by building up to it.: Ensure the buildup to the cliffhanger is logical and well-paced. Sudden, out-of-the-blue twists can feel jarring if not properly set up.
3. Balance suspense and payoff: While cliffhangers keep the audience hooked, it's crucial to deliver satisfying resolutions eventually. Leaving too many loose ends can lead to frustration.
4. Use with caution: Overusing cliffhangers can diminish their impact. Use them strategically to maintain their effectiveness and keep the narrative fresh.
Cliffhangers are a flexible and impactful tool in literature that can greatly heighten suspense and captivate readers. Utilizing different types of cliffhangers in a strategic manner allows you to create captivating narratives that enthrall your readers, leave them craving for more, and most important, turning those pages!
What are your thoughts? Have you used cliffhangers? Where and how? Questions?
Thanks for tuning in. Happy writing!
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