Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Ella Enchanted. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Ella of Frell, who was cursed at birth by the fairy Lucinda with the “gift” of obedience, breaks the curse herself when Prince Char proposes. Knowing her stepfamily or enemies could use her obedience to harm him, she refuses with all her will, and the curse breaks; she then accepts and marries him.
Quick facts
– Book: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
– First published: 1997
– Type: A middle-grade fantasy retelling of Cinderella
– Tone of the ending: Joyful
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Ella must obey any direct command. After her mother dies, her stepmother and stepsisters Hattie and Olive exploit the curse. Ella goes on a quest to find Lucinda and grows close to Prince Char, writing him letters.
What Happens at the End of Ella Enchanted
Ella realizes that if she married Char, anyone could order her to harm him or the kingdom, so she writes him a letter pretending she has eloped with a rich man. Heartbroken, Char goes away, and later the king holds three balls for his return. Ella attends in disguise with help from Mandy, the family cook who is secretly a fairy, and Char falls for the masked guest. On the third night, her mask slips, and Char follows her home. When he proposes, Ella fights the curse with all her strength, refusing because she loves him, and the struggle breaks the curse. Free at last, she says yes. They marry, and Ella chooses the title of 'companion' rather than princess.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Ella breaks the curse.
- She marries Char.
- Her stepfamily loses power.
- Ella chooses her own life.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Ella | Marries Char |
| Prince Char | Marries Ella |
| Lucinda | Learns her lesson |
| Hattie and Olive | Ella's stepsisters |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows the power of free will.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Readers love that Ella saves herself rather than waiting for magic. Many teachers use the book to talk about obedience, consent and free will.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Free will. Ella chooses.
Love. Ella protects Char.
Courage. Ella fights the curse.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Ella Enchanted as joyful. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Gail Carson Levine to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are joyful will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Gail Carson Levine closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 2004 film with Anne Hathaway changes the story into a comedy with a different villain.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Ella Enchanted with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about free will, and do you agree with Gail Carson Levine's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as joyful, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces free will and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Gail Carson Levine leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Ella Enchanted often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Ella Enchanted earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of Ella Enchanted on Amazon
Books to Read After Ella Enchanted
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
- Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Related: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like Ella Enchanted You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Ella Enchanted?
Ella of Frell, who was cursed at birth by the fairy Lucinda with the “gift” of obedience, breaks the curse herself when Prince Char proposes. Knowing her stepfamily or enemies could use her obedience to harm him, she refuses with all her will, and the curse breaks; she then accepts and marries him.
Is the ending of Ella Enchanted happy or sad?
Most readers call it joyful.
What does the ending of Ella Enchanted mean?
The ending shows the power of free will.
Is the ending of Ella Enchanted the same in the adaptation?
The 2004 film with Anne Hathaway changes the story into a comedy with a different villain.
Who wrote Ella Enchanted and when was it published?
Ella Enchanted was written by Gail Carson Levine and first published in 1997.
Is Ella Enchanted worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy middle-grade fantasy retelling of Cinderellas. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Gail Carson Levine prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Ella Enchanted before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.