Can a story end with mysteries not cleared up

[FieryLou]

Lets say the world transforms into a game-like world. Lets take the classic system apocalypse as an example. Some unknown being created said system. Does the mc needs to know who/why did it by the end of the story, or can it just left be ambiguous.(similair to Everyone is a Returnee)

 

[Poleg]

You mean an de facto open end? Imo it can be done, just give the reader enough to make an educated guess.

 

[Arkus86]

Depends what is your goal, in relation to the mysteries? In your example, if how the system came to be is not really relevant to the plot, you do not need to reveal it, but if figuring that out is a more central theme, you should have it resolved by the end. Or at least have notable progress towards it so the readers can make an educated guess, like Poleg said, or that you can pick-up in a sequel.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

It depends on two things:
1. How important is it to the author to have either the MC or the reader know what really happened? Sometimes you need to tell them everything, sometimes only the reader needs to know (for example, the gods of the Diskworld are playing a role-playing game with dice and everrything in "The Light Fantastic" and "The Colour of Magic" - but Rincewind, Twoflower and The Luggage never see this, only the reader does), very VERY rarely the MC figures it out and refuses to share with anyone (including the reader - I have seen this attempted three or four times and see it work exactly once, so would not suggest it, but it is an option; wish I could recall an example).

2. Do you plan sequels/spin-offs/follow-ups? If so you WANT to leave some mysteries for later stories to explore (stories that may have entirely different MCs - and which may even show the "answers" revealed in previous installments were incorrect or flat-out WRONG, as in the "Fate" anime series)

 

[GreenLemonShark]

If you leave it open-ended, you’re also leaving yourself the perfect opportunity to make a sequel or expand on the world later. I think it’s always a good idea to keep certain plot threads or lines a little open, it gives you room to add more detail, explore unanswered questions, or even surprise readers down the road. It’s like planting seeds for future stories without boxing yourself in. ?

 

[HisDivineShadow]

As a reader, I always feel cheated when a story ends with an open ending or unresolved mysteries.

 

[Deleted member 206441]

You can do what ever you want, whether people will like it is a different matter entirely.

 

[LeilaniOtter]

Unless you plan a series of books, you really need to give us a resolution.
That might work in Hollywood, in a movie or series, but don't do it for books.
I'd reject you right away if you came to us with that. ?

 

[OokamiKasumi]

Lets say the world transforms into a game-like world. Lets take the classic system apocalypse as an example. Some unknown being created said system. Does the mc needs to know who/why did it by the end of the story, or can it just left be ambiguous.(similair to Everyone is a Returnee)

Have you solved all the Issues (Plot+Emotional) that you brought up at the Beginning of the story for ALL your Main POV Characters?

If YES: You're story is officially Done.

If NO: Tie up those loose ends -- then you're Done.

 

[PrimeCo35]

Definitely. I was reading The Windup Girl and it had to many loose ends but it words to it's advantage. It's a ravaged world, so leaving questions unanswered seems natural to the world's state.

 

[zephyrtrillian]

Of course. You can also tease people. Like the end of the movie Pleasantville where you don't know who the wife character ends up with at the end: her husband, or the guy who owns the restaurant hangout spot.