Will the villain get it in the end? Well, read on to find out...

Here's a picture of Cat Kung Fu, just because.

One of the best tricks in the storyteller's arsenal is making an audience scream out, "Wipe him out, he deserves it!" That level of audience feedback goes right back into the story, drawing the audience along and implanting the story with greater urgency and passion. It's incredible to witness. I've been at movies when you hear the whole audience clap when the villain gets his comeuppance (such as watching an elaborate trap turn on the bad guy rather than hurting the good guy). Pacing the story so it happens at the best point is the tricky aspect.

Those moments when a story grips your heart and mind and makes you scream at the pages are priceless. I can remember numerous examples, such as Die Hard when the bad guy (who has been easily escaping notice throughout, yet is as ruthless as they come) gets it--I won't spoil the scene if you haven't seen it yet. That makes the story stick in your mind, gives it life, and you'll think about it long after the story is actually over. Even harder to forget is when a character doesn't get rewarded, or punished, for their actions. People naturally want good deeds rewarded and evil deeds punished. It's the same reason little kids constantly moan about, "It's not fair."

Some stories even use this trick as the most important plot point, such as seeking revenge against an evil guy who got away (The Man in the Iron Mask is an especially good example). Done well, the audience forgives all manner of coincidences, just so justice can be done. The author can even bring out absolutely ridiculous methods without much audience pushback at all. The audience's desire to see it all end well is amazingly powerful. I think this is the biggest reason cliffhanger endings are so frustrating, because we want it all resolved now!

- M

ps. There's a whole category of videos called "Instant Karma" that are a blast to watch, and really key into the idea of getting back what you do.