Climax
In short: The climax is the peak of a story: the moment of greatest tension, where the central conflict is decided. The resolution follows after it.
What matters at the climax
Everything converges here: The climax pays off what the whole story has been building towards – half measures disappoint most here.
The protagonist acts: At the peak, the main character should make the decisive choice – not chance.
Related terms: Narrative Arc · Conflict · Plot · Turning Point
Frequently asked questions
What is the climax of a story?
The dramatic peak where the central conflict is decided.
Is the climax the same as the turning point?
They are related but not identical: the climax is the peak of tension; a turning point is any decisive change of direction.