denouement
day-noo-MAHN
/ˌdeɪ.nuːˈmɒ̃/
The final outcome or untangling of narrative strands and lingering thematic threads following the climax.
Emphasizes subtle thematic wrap-up and character fates rather than mechanical plot solving.
The story behind the word. Borrowed directly from 18th-century French dénouement (from dénouer, to unknot). It evokes untying a tangled ball of string after the storm of the story has passed.
Word relationships
- aftermath: Aftermath focuses on consequences (often negative), while denouement is an elegant narrative stage.
- exposition: Exposition sets up the narrative at the start, whereas denouement ties up threads at the end.
Commonly confused with
- resolution: Resolution settles the main conflict; denouement cleans up remaining character fates and themes.
Collocations
- quiet denouement
- final denouement
- tragic denouement
- denouement of the novel
Example sentences
- "In the play's quiet denouement, the estranged sisters silently share a cup of tea." Drama criticism
Memory hook
DENOUEMENT unties the KNOT at the END of the show. Untying final knots.
When not to use
Do not use to describe action scenes; denouement is quiet, reflective, and late-stage.
Fun facts
- Because of its French origin, the 't' at the end is silent in standard English pronunciation.
Related words
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