Falling action

Definition

Falling action is the part of a narrative that follows the climax and leads toward the resolution. It is where the tension decreases and the story begins to move toward closure, resolving subplots and revealing the consequences of the climax's events. This segment allows characters to reflect on their experiences, and it often sets the stage for a final resolution or denouement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The falling action typically follows a pivotal moment in the story, providing a transition from high tension to resolution.
2. This segment often includes character decisions that affect the outcome and lead to various consequences stemming from earlier actions.
3. Falling action allows authors to explore character development and emotional responses after a significant event.
4. In many narratives, falling action helps clarify themes or morals by showing the effects of the climax on characters' lives.
5. It can vary in length depending on the complexity of the plot and the number of subplots being resolved.

Review Questions

• How does falling action contribute to character development in a narrative?
  • Falling action is crucial for character development as it provides space for characters to process their experiences following the climax. During this time, characters may reflect on their decisions, confront their emotions, and begin to understand the consequences of their actions. This period allows readers to see growth or change in characters, making them more relatable and giving depth to their journey.
• Discuss how falling action differs from resolution in narrative structure.
  • Falling action serves as a bridge between the climax and resolution, focusing on the aftermath of key events and winding down the story's tension. While falling action deals with consequences and character reactions, resolution marks the end of the narrative where conflicts are fully resolved. Essentially, falling action addresses what happens after an intense moment, while resolution ties up all loose ends and concludes the story.
• Evaluate the importance of falling action in maintaining narrative pace and audience engagement.
  • Falling action plays a significant role in maintaining narrative pace by allowing a gradual decrease in tension after the climax. This slowdown gives audiences time to process events and prepares them for resolution. Effective falling action keeps readers engaged by deepening emotional connections with characters while also ensuring that the narrative doesn't feel rushed or abrupt as it moves toward closure.

Related terms

climax:

The climax is the most intense, exciting, or important point of a story, where the main conflict reaches its peak.

resolution:

Resolution is the final part of a story where all conflicts are resolved, and the story comes to a close.

exposition:

Exposition is the introduction of background information in a story, including characters, setting, and basic conflict.