Heroic conflict resolved in the heroic character’s favor. Do not slay the heroic character. Even if the heroine’s victory is bittersweet, it must be victory, usually good over evil. Even if she does not win the heart of her romantic interest, she will have proven herself deserving of it. James V. Smith, Jr., You Can Write a Novel
But why? I ask. Why can’t we end our novels where the protagonist dies or ends up homeless? Why does there always have to be a happy ending? Real life can be really sad and depressing. That’s real. Happy, happy isn’t always real.
I mean, life doesn’t always have a happy ending. People become addicted to drugs.
Sometimes they stay addicted and die from the crap.
Some people start out happy together.
Sometimes Princesses aren’t happy.
Sometimes they die tragically.
Babies and children die.
Parents murder their children.
Sometimes children murder their parents.
Innocent people go to jail. Sometimes they get executed.
People may start out happy and rich, but may end up dying sad and poor.
So, I ask again. Why? Why does there always have to be a happy ending when in real life sad endings happen. Isn’t fiction supposed to be as real as possible?
The difference between reality in fiction and real life---it has to be real. (Can’t remember the name of the writer for this quote).
Hope I didn’t depress anybody but I was in a funky mood. Thinking does that to me sometimes. So, while you ponder this question I found something funky for you to listen to:
Before I go and ask you the final question to this blog, wanted you all to know that I had no clue Wild Cherry was actually a white band. Discovered it when I searched for the video. Talk about living a sheltered life. Attended Lutheran and Baptist schools. Also, had an overbearing mother. That’ll do it to anyone.
Okay. Back to that pesky question. What do you think? Do you think fictional novels should always end happy, and the protagonist should live or, end up with absolutely nothing?
That’s all for now folks!!!
Happy blogging,reading, and writing!!!
Shelly
P.S. Save a library!
