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This study exposes shortcomings of arguments that view an "open ending" theory of Mark as a modem construct that would have made little sense to an ancient audience. I look at first-century genre expectations in light of cognitive genre theory and argue that a reader-response approach to Mark's ending is not only appropriate but also desirable. First, 1 describe and assess interpretative issues surrounding Mark's ending. Second, I discuss ways of approaching Mark's ending in light of genre expec tations, building on a literary approach to genre with a cognitive (psychological) approach. Third, 1 offer an interpretation of Mark's ending in light of its fit with Greco-Roman biography (Greek bios; pi. bioi) and in terms of cognitive models. I show how Mark develops a pattern of imitation between Jesus and his disciples that, at the end, invites the audience to reflect on and respond to the person of Jesus and his role as the exemplar of discipleship.

This Introduction provides an overview of a cognitive-narratological approach to characters and characterization in New Testament narratives. We begin by comparing conventional and cognitive approaches to New Testament characters and characterization, and delineating a practical methodology designed to sensitize readers to a variety of interpretative possibilities that arise from the cognitive turn within narratology. Afterwards, we apply that methodology in three ways. First, we acquaint readers with the prospect of tracing characters within one New Testament narrative. Then, we hint at the analysis of character migration, that is, a character’s development across more than one narrative. Finally, we provide insight into the analysis of character emotions and the readers’ empathy with characters. To illustrate these aspects, we focus on examples from the Gospel of Mark.

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