Into the Fire

Saying goodbye to characters can be painful, satisfying, a relief, or a joy. Series writers often come to the end of a long storyline, having lost a few characters along the way, before final words declare "The End" for the primary characters.

If an author has done the story well, the reader will be sorry to say goodbye. Those characters have become almost real, almost family or friends. Well-developed characters speak into the lives of readers even if their particular circumstances don't. Their personalities etch a picture in the minds of readers, favorable or otherwise.

If writers fail to engage the reader with lasting impressions of their characters, their stories will fade like old denim and be less useful. Characters are the heartbeat of a story. It's always a risk to terminate a favorite character. The writer must determine when it can be done without leaving a gaping hole in the story. Usually it happens near the end to save the other characters from having to fill in for the significant loss.

When the novel ends, characters leave the lives of writers and readers. It's important to make that farewell an emotional one. Be it sadly satisfying or a joyful parting, bidding adieu should bring a meaningful resolution.  

Father, parting is difficult. But it should still be meaningful. Thank you for giving purpose to every experience. Please help us to walk through all of them with you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.