Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Thirteen Reasons Why. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Clay Jensen finishes listening to the thirteen tapes Hannah Baker recorded before her suicide, learning that he was the one person who did nothing wrong. He passes the tapes on as instructed, and the book ends with him reaching out to Skye, a lonely classmate, so she won't be ignored as Hannah was.
Quick facts
– Book: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
– First published: 2007
– Type: A young adult novel
– Tone of the ending: Sad and urgent
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Clay receives a box of cassette tapes from Hannah, a classmate who recently died by suicide. Each side tells the story of a person whose actions contributed to her decision. Over one night, Clay walks around town following her map and listening to her voice.
What Happens at the End of Thirteen Reasons Why
Clay hears his own tape and learns Hannah included him because he could have helped her if she had let him; she regretted pushing him away. The final tapes describe Bryce assaulting Hannah and a counsellor, Mr. Porter, failing to help her. Clay sends the tapes to the next person on the list. The next day, he calls out to Skye in the hallway, choosing to speak up.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Clay is on the tapes but is not to blame.
- Mr. Porter's failure is the last reason.
- The tapes keep moving to the people listed.
- Clay's final act is reaching out.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Clay Jensen | Reaches out to Skye |
| Hannah Baker | Dies by suicide before the story begins |
| Bryce Walker | Assaulted Hannah |
| Mr. Porter | Failed to help Hannah |
| Tony | Keeps the second set of tapes |
What the Ending Means
The ending stresses how small actions can affect others. Clay's choice to reach out shows the book's hope.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Some readers and experts criticize the book for presenting suicide as revenge. Others value it for starting important conversations.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Responsibility. Everyone on the tapes had a part to play.
Kindness. Clay chooses to notice someone lonely.
Communication. The tapes are Hannah's voice after silence.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Thirteen Reasons Why as sad and urgent. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Jay Asher 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 sad and urgent will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Jay Asher 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 2017 Netflix series greatly expands the story and adds lawsuits and later seasons.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Thirteen Reasons Why 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 responsibility, and do you agree with Jay Asher'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 sad and urgent, 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 responsibility 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 Jay Asher 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 Thirteen Reasons Why often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Thirteen Reasons Why 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 Thirteen Reasons Why on Amazon
Books to Read After Thirteen Reasons Why
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Related: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like Thirteen Reasons Why You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Thirteen Reasons Why?
Clay Jensen finishes listening to the thirteen tapes Hannah Baker recorded before her suicide, learning that he was the one person who did nothing wrong. He passes the tapes on as instructed, and the book ends with him reaching out to Skye, a lonely classmate, so she won't be ignored as Hannah was.
Is the ending of Thirteen Reasons Why happy or sad?
Most readers call it sad and urgent.
What does the ending of Thirteen Reasons Why mean?
The ending stresses how small actions can affect others.
Is the ending of Thirteen Reasons Why the same in the adaptation?
The 2017 Netflix series greatly expands the story and adds lawsuits and later seasons.
Where can someone get help?
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact a local crisis line; in the US you can call or text 988.
Who wrote Thirteen Reasons Why and when was it published?
Thirteen Reasons Why was written by Jay Asher and first published in 2007.
Is Thirteen Reasons Why worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy young adult novels. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Jay Asher prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Thirteen Reasons Why before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.