The resolution of a story is the conclusion of the storys plot, also known as the denouement. It is the final moment of the book that ties the narrative arc together and resolves the storys central arc and conflicts. The resolution is where any unanswered questions are answered, or "loose ends are tied". It is the part of the plot in Freytags pyramid that follows the falling action where the storys conflict is resolved. The resolution shows the results of the protagonists decision in the climax, where the reader learns if the protagonist has made the right decision and watches as she reaps the rewards or suffers the consequences of her decision. The resolution must tie back to both the inciting incident and crisis of the unit of the story.

The resolution is a necessary component of plot in both poetry and prose. It allows a story to end without trailing off or leaving the reader confused or unsatisfied. Although not all denouements or resolutions are happy or satisfying, they should allow the reader to feel as if the story has come to a proper conclusion. A story must have a clear beginning and conflict, rising action, exciting climax, falling action, and lastly, a clear ending.

Examples of resolution in literature include the ending of a story, such as the catastrophic suicides of the young lovers Romeo and Juliet in the drama Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In the novella Anthem by Ayn Rand, the conflict resolves itself in the end where the protagonist escapes his dystopian society that rejects intellectualism and individuality.

In order to provide a satisfying resolution in a story, the writer must consider the valence and consistency within the commandment. The valence of the resolution shows whether the decision in the climax worked out well for the protagonist or not, signaling whether the story is prescriptive or cautionary. After the resolution, the writer can analyze masterworks, review all of the units of story in their favorite masterwork, and apply them to their own writing.