On Reversal and Recognition

On Reversal and Recognition

Hey, Writer! The ending of a story holds a certain gravity. It's the destination, the grand reveal—the thing readers have been building up to throughout the narrative. Wrapping up a story in a fulfilling manner is no easy task. But what if I told you that a formula has been around for thousands of years? Allow me to reintroduce you to Aristotle’s enlightening take on story endings: the model of Reversal and Recognition.

What are Reversal and Recognition?

Aristotle, in his seminal work Poetics, outlines the concepts of 'Peripeteia' (Reversal) and 'Anagnorisis' (Recognition). Reversal is the unexpected twist or turn in events—a reversal of circumstances or fortune that steers the story to its climax. Recognition, on the other hand, is the moment of revelation, the "aha!" when the protagonist or other characters realize some essential truth about themselves or their situation.

Why are they Effective?

Separately, reversal and recognition are strong literary techniques. When combined, they offer a powerful one-two punch that can elevate a story from good to unforgettable. This dynamic duo serves as a narrative fulcrum, the pivot upon which the story’s emotional and intellectual weight balances.

How to Implement the Model

Step 1: Design the Reversal

In crafting your narrative, think about what major twist would upend the world as your characters know it. Will the hero learn that the villain is their long-lost sibling? Or will a hardworking detective find out they’ve been chasing the wrong suspect? Whatever it is, the reversal must be unanticipated but not unbelievable.

Step 2: Build to Recognition

Once you've designed the reversal, construct the moments leading to the recognition. The protagonist should undergo a transformative realization that stems from the reversal. If the villain is their sibling, for instance, this could lead to a reevaluation of the family or even of good and evil.

Step 3: Confluence of Events

The key is in the orchestration. The reversal should lead seamlessly into the moment of recognition. This transition is crucial; done poorly, it feels forced, but done well, it serves as the story's emotional and thematic zenith.

The Payoff

The impact of using both reversal and recognition goes beyond mere plot mechanics. These elements often tie into the core theme of your work, thereby rendering your narrative a cohesive unit. Thematic cohesion is a hallmark of exceptional storytelling.

For the writers who've been with me on this creative journey, you already know the value of challenging conventional storytelling norms. Aristotle's model is a time-tested formula that can add sophistication to your ending. It's your story, after all, so why not end it on an insightful, thought-provoking note? Surprise your audience, but let that surprise lead them to a deeper understanding or realization. Now, that’s an ending worth writing, and certainly, an ending worth reading. Happy writing!

Aristotle. "Poetics." In "Poetics: A Norton Critical Edition)," translated by James Hutton, edited by David Gorman and Michelle Zerba. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2018.

Buy it here:

Poetics: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton Critical Editions): Aristotle, Gorman, David, Zerba, Michelle, Hutton, James: 9780393938869: Amazon.com: Books