Rising action includes the series of events (usually the conflicts or struggles of the protagonist) that increase tension, propel the plot forward, and lead to the climax of the story.

For example, in the story of “Little Red Riding Hood,” the rising action includes everything that takes place after Little Red sets off for Grandma’s house—up to the moment she comes face to face with the Big Bad Wolf. In other words, most of the story is rising action, which is often case.

The rising action is the part of the story that introduces obstacles/complications and builds suspense. The climax is the turning point. In this part of the story, the conflict is at its most intense.

Rising action: The rising action starts right after the period of exposition and ends at the climax. Beginning with the inciting incident, rising action is the bulk of the plot. It is composed of a series of events that build on the conflict and increase the tension, sending the story racing to a dramatic climax.

Function of Rising Action The rising action creates tension or suspense and lets the audience get to know the main characters better. You’ll see characters making difficult decisions, and you’ll see their flaws, which helps you relate to them.

Falling action occurs right after the climax, when the main problem of the story resolves. It is one of the elements of the plot of the story, the other elements being exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution. Falling action wraps up the narrative, resolves its loose ends, and leads toward the closure.

The falling action is the events that happen after the climax that lead to a resolution or ending to the story. The resolution is the outcome of the story. It is how things end up or turn out for the characters.

1. Exposition – introduces the reader to the setting and characters. 2. Inciting incident – this event creates the central conflict or struggle.