In a narrative, what typically follows the climax?

In a narrative structure, the climax represents the turning point or the most intense moment of the story, where the main conflict reaches its peak. Following the climax, the falling action occurs. This phase serves to unravel the tension that has built up and leads toward resolving the conflict established earlier in the narrative. During the falling action, loose ends are tied up, characters may reflect on what has happened, and the consequences of the climax begin to unfold. This section is crucial as it allows the story to move toward its resolution or conclusion, providing the audience with a sense of closure regarding the characters and their journeys.

The other options are not suitable for what follows the climax because the exposition occurs at the beginning of the narrative and presents background information. The conclusion (sometimes called denouement) typically provides the final resolution after the falling action. Meanwhile, rising action refers to the series of events and conflicts that build up to the climax and occurs before it. Thus, falling action is the correct term for the events that follow the story's climax.