The end of a novel - Writers Forum

9937 · 10-14-2007, 09:32 PM

I've finally finished my first real novel, and now I'm cutting it up into pieces and editing it. The only problem is that I'm not sure if a happy ending or a tragic one is better.
It's sort of a romance novel, but it's also about this group of people that's been oppressed and end up going to war with their government. That's a really short summary, but it's the basic idea. I know that in the end, they're going to win their war, but my dilemma is over killing off the main character, who is involved in the romance.
If I kill him, his lover is left alive, and the tragic aspects of the novel- their oppression, the war, etc.- are really emphasized on, and it drives the point of how terrible everything that happened was home.
However, if I leave him alive, it sort of brings out the softer side of the novel- the idea that despite what happened, their love kept on going and they made it through everything together.
Any insight, opinions, or whatever you have to offer, is appreciated.

Fossy · 10-14-2007, 10:00 PM

You can kill anyone in your novel, just don't kill someone's pet or your readers will never forgive you.

Ciavyn · 10-14-2007, 10:31 PM

Play with it a bit. I think if you are writing a fictional book for the reader's enjoyment, then let him live. However, if you are writing a book to make a political/social statement (think 1984), then it is okay to have a tragic ending. It does make for a more poignant ending.

I personally don't mind if the main character dies in a good thriller or social commentary novel. As long as the character's death is for a good reason (war or protection, for example), I say go for it.

Write them both, perhaps, and then let others read it and help you decide.