We all know to avoid “bad” repetition—our overused pet words, unintended echoing phrases, and repetitive sentence structure. But there’s also useful repetition that we can use to enhance our stories.

Repetition can be used to reinforce a sense of unity or to supply readers with a satisfying feeling after tying up loose ends.

Let’s look at three examples of useful repetition.

1. Having the closing image mirror the book’s opening image.

This is a literary bookend technique, frequently used by scriptwriters. Writers can repeat elements from the book’s beginning at its end (for example, the same setting, the same characters, a similar situation) and add a few subtle differences that reflect and emphasize the change the protagonist has just experienced or effected. This echo of the opening scene provides the end of the book with a full-circle feel.

Using the same location at the beginning and ending reminds the reader of the character’s arc through the story and his progress—where he is now in his life, compared to where he stood at the start of the book.

2. Tying an early subplot that seems like a separate, smaller, storyline into the book’s conclusion.

Tying in a subplot to the end of the story is another way to give readers that feeling of completeness in a story.

Some subplots feature a relationship between the protagonist and a secondary character—a relationship that suddenly becomes key at the end of the story.

Others might seem like a completely separate, almost random, storyline . . . until the end of the book where they impact the main story in unexpected ways. Subplots can be particularly effective when they work double-duty and make the protagonist face internal conflict or stand in the way of what the character wants most.

3. Repeating an object, image, word, setting, imagery, or even a distinctive phrase.

This type of repetition reinforces symbolism or theme. Anytime you repeat an object or specific diction, it implies significance and imbues it with importance.

Many readers have a real talent for sussing out literary elements, and others may subconsciously pick up on the subtext—especially with the aid of repetition.

A note of caution

Repetition is better used when we’re being subtle with it. Heavy-handed use of repetition can seem as if we’re hitting readers over the head with our message—or make it appear as if we don’t trust our readers will pick up on it. Either way, it could pull readers out of our story.