Understanding great storytelling involves understanding the human psyche. Expectations, anticipation, and suspense are all used to keep an audience or a reader engaged.
A well-crafted story is pieced together to drive our curiosities, leaving us wanting to turn the page, start the next episode, or debate on the ending of the film we just walked out of. Few storytelling techniques tap into our curiosity (and frustration) like a well-executed cliffhanger. Spoilers ahead.
What is a Cliffhanger in Story?
First, let’s define a cliffhanger
Cliffhangers can be found throughout every storytelling medium from literature to films to television. Let’s look at the definition of a cliffhanger before diving into why writers use them in the first place.
CLIFFHANGER STORY DEFINITION
What is a cliffhanger in a story?
A cliffhanger acts as a dramatic pause in storytelling. It's where the narrative thread dangles precariously, leaving outcomes unresolved and audiences without a definite conclusion or resolution to a story.
This technique is prevalent across chapters in novels, episodes in television series, or season finales, serving as an invisible thread pulling the audience back for more.
Characteristics of a Cliffhanger:
- Unresolved Conflict
- Unexpected Twists
- Heightened Emotional Engagement
- Strategic Placement
Where the Term Comes From
Origins of the "Cliffhanger"
The term 'cliffhanger' paints a vivid picture—one of a hero hanging off a cliff's edge, their fate unknown. Historically, this device roots back to serialized novels of the 19th century, where authors like Charles Dickens left readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The concept of the cliffhanger, though rooted deeply in storytelling traditions, notably gained its name from an episode in Thomas Hardy’s 1873 novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes.
In this particular scene, we find Henry Knight in a precarious situation, dangling from a cliff's edge as the chapter concludes. This moment not only captures the essence of suspense but also serves as a vivid illustration of how Hardy masterfully used this technique to keep readers eagerly turning pages, their imaginations alight with speculation about Knight's fate against the tumultuous backdrop of the roaring sea below.
Cliffhanger Meaning and Use
The Power of a Cliffhanger
Why are cliffhangers such a staple in storytelling, particularly in television and literature? The secret to their effectiveness is deeply rooted in human psychology. These narrative tools do more than just end episodes or chapters with a bang; they tap into our inherent desires for resolution and understanding, making us come back for more.
The Psychology of Cliffhangers
Cliffhangers exploit a mix of emotional triggers—curiosity, anticipation, and frustration. This powerful combination ensures that the audience is not just passively consuming content but is emotionally invested in the storyline. The need to know what happens next keeps viewers hooked.
Emotional Investment
The anticipation of what is to come plays a significant role in how cliffhangers affect us. For instance, in the sitcom Friends, fans around the world were kept in suspense when an episode ended with Rachel appearing at Ross's wedding, leading many to wonder if they would finally get back together.
Narrative Engagement
Cliffhangers also encourage active engagement with the narrative. After the "Who Shot J.R.?" episode of Dallas, audiences didn’t just wait for the next episode; they became detectives themselves, piecing together clues and forming theories. This level of engagement ensures that the story stays with the audience long after they’ve tuned out.
Cliffhangers masterfully leverages human psychology to enhance narrative engagement and emotional investment. They keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense and surprises, yearning for closure.
Cliffhanger Examples
Iconic Cliffhangers in Storytelling
Certain cliffhangers have left an indelible mark on audiences, becoming iconic in their own right. These moments are celebrated for their ability to grip readers and viewers, showcasing the craft's power at its peak.
Prisoners
The final moments one of Denis Villeneuve’s best films Prisoners leaves the audience in a gripping state of suspense. Detective Loki hears the faint, desperate whistles of the presumed dead father, Keller Dover, leading viewers to the edge of their seats as the screen fades to black.
Prisoners Ending
The strength of this cliffhanger lies in its ability to engage viewers' imagination, leaving them to ponder the moral complexities of the film long after it ends. Did Keller deserve to be saved? Did he bring this upon himself?
The Sopranos Finale
One of television's most debated cliffhangers is the abrupt ending of The Sopranos. In its finale, as Tony Soprano sits with his family in a diner, the scene is cut to black without warning, leaving viewers to speculate about Tony’s fate.
The Sopranos Ending
This ending has sparked endless discussions and theories, beautifully showcasing the power of a cliffhanger to continue a story beyond its on-screen conclusion.
Gone Girl Novel
In literature, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn presents a masterful cliffhanger that leaves readers questioning the nature of justice and truth. The unsettling resolution between Nick and Amy Dunne creates a chilling uncertainty that lingers long after the last page is turned.
This novel brilliantly uses the cliffhanger not to pause the story, but to end it, inviting readers to dwell on the dark intricacies of the characters’ psyches and the complexities of their toxic relationship.
Cliffhangers are a bold storytelling decision—risking momentary audience frustration for the promise of heightened engagement and loyalty. They remind us of the power of storytelling, not just to entertain, but to connect and provoke thought.
Up Next
Types of Story Endings Explained
As we explore cliffhangers and their enduring impact on storytelling, it becomes clear that the way a story concludes can significantly alter its reception and legacy. Understanding the balance between suspense and resolution is key. To learn more about story endings beyond the cliffhanger, check out our next article.
