What term is used to describe the highest point of conflict in a story?

The highest point of conflict in a story is referred to as the climax. This is a pivotal moment where the conflict reaches its peak, creating intense suspense and emotion. During the climax, the protagonist often faces a major decision, challenge, or turning point that determines the direction of the story. It is at this critical juncture that the stakes are highest, and the outcome becomes clearer, leading to the resolution of the narrative.

In the context of storytelling, rising action refers to the events that build up to the climax, establishing the conflict and developing the characters. Falling action occurs after the climax and involves the events that follow as the story begins to wind down toward resolution. Denouement is the conclusion of the story where loose ends are tied up and the final outcomes for the characters are revealed. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the overall structure of a narrative and the significance of the climax within that structure.