What comes after the rising action in narrative structure?

In narrative structure, the sequence of events is crucial for building tension and ultimately delivering a satisfying story. After the rising action, which consists of complications and conflicts leading to suspense, the next significant part is the climax. This is the moment of highest tension and drama, where the main conflict reaches its peak. At this point, the protagonist faces a critical challenge or decision that determines the outcome of the story. The climax is essential as it sets the stage for subsequent events and resolutions, making it a pivotal part of the narrative arc.

By contrast, the denouement follows the climax and wraps up the story, clarifying outcomes for characters and resolving lingering subplots. The exposition, occurring at the beginning of the narrative, serves to introduce characters and settings, while the falling action comes after the climax and leads toward the conclusion, easing the tension built during the climax. Each of these elements plays its unique role in storytelling, but the climax is specifically where the action and conflict reach their zenith.