Pulling off a Grand Gesture
The Grand Gesture is the ultimate payoff in a romance novel, the moment where all the tension, heartbreak, and growth culminate in a powerful display of love. It’s beyond the resolution. Whether it’s a heartfelt confession, a daring rescue, or a selfless sacrifice, the Grand Gesture is the exclamation point on your story’s resolution.
Tying Up Loose Ends: Types of Endings
Before we dive into the Grand Gesture, let’s talk about how to handle endings. It’s my opinion that every story must answer its main story question. Will the lovers end up together? Who killed the maid in the pantry with the kitchen knife? Why did the villain blow up the building? There are different ways to resolve these story questions.
1. Closure happens when the final scene wraps up all the loose ends. Every question posed throughout the story is answered, leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction and no lingering doubts.
2. A Cliffhanger leaves some questions unresolved, teasing readers with the promise of more to come. The key to pulling off a satisfying cliffhanger (IMHO) is to answer the main story question. Readers are fine with unresolved subplots. But it’s my personal opinion not to leave an HEA, mystery, or thriller unresolved. Yes, yes, there’s always exceptions, but this is my personal rule.
3. The Open Door approach answers the main story question. It offers closure, leaving nothing hanging off a cliff. But just as the door to this story is closing, it introduces a new question right at the end, opening the door to future possibilities.
The Anatomy of a Grand Gesture
Now that we’ve covered endings, let’s look at the Grand Gesture. The Grand Gesture is really all about the emotional payoff. I don’t believe these gestures solely exist in romances. I believe they are also present in Buddy Films -hellow Lethal Weapon where Riggs gives Murtagh the hollow point bullet he’d planned to use to unalive himself before they’re partnership had cemented.
I think there are five different types of grand gestures.
1. Declaration
Sometimes, the most powerful gesture is simply putting feelings into words. A heartfelt I love you from a character who has struggled to express their emotions can be transformative. Example: Think Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. His second proposal to Elizabeth is a simple but profound moment of vulnerability and love.
2. Public Display
A public grand gesture demonstrates love and commitment to the world. These moments are bold and memorable, showing the character’s willingness to risk embarrassment or rejection. Example: In 10 Things I Hate About You, Patrick serenades Kat in front of the entire school—a public, dramatic, and unforgettable display of love.
3. Rescue
If one character is in danger, a heroic rescue can serve as the ultimate display of love. The stakes are high, and the act of bravery speaks volumes about the depth of their feelings. Example: In The Bodyguard, Frank rescues Rachel from a stalker, proving his love and dedication through his actions.
4. Personalization
A deeply personal gesture tailored to the other character’s unique desires or needs can be incredibly moving. Example: In Say Anything, Lloyd holds up a boombox outside Diane’s window, playing the song that symbolizes their relationship.
5. Sacrifice
A grand gesture involving sacrifice—whether it’s risking physical danger, giving up something valuable, or choosing love over ambition—carries immense emotional weight. Example: In Thelma and Louise, the ultimate sacrifice of driving off the cliff together cements their unbreakable bond, even if it’s not a traditional romance.
Crafting Your Grand Gesture
To create a memorable Grand Gesture, consider these tips:
Tie It to Their Growth: The character making the gesture should demonstrate how far they’ve come.
Call Back to the Fun and Games: Referencing an earlier moment in their relationship adds emotional resonance.
Make It Personal: The gesture should feel unique to the characters and their relationship.
Raise the Stakes: The bigger the risk, the greater the payoff.
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