The denouement, also known as the “falling action” or, potentially, “resolution” (depending on what approach you use), is everything that happens after the climax. It’s where any remaining conflict or tension gets addressed and dissipated, where important loose ends get tied up, and where change (or the lack thereof) gets validated. It’s also usually where a new “normal” is established, or at least hinted at.
People mistakenly think denouements are all about ending the story quickly. While some writers certainly approach them that way, it’s more important to address what I just mentioned if you want a satisfying denouement.
Lord of the Rings (the books not the film) has several as I recall. 😀 … one in Gondor (Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding, etc) and the final one after The Scouring Of The Shire (reordering the Shire after Sauron’s death)
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