Rising action is the part of a story's plot that occurs after the inciting incident and leads up to the climax. It is characterized by a series of events that increase tension, suspense, and interest as the central conflict develops and intensifies
. Key features of rising action include:
- Development of conflict: Both external conflicts (obstacles or antagonists preventing the protagonist from achieving their goals) and internal conflicts (the protagonist's personal struggles, fears, or desires) are explored and escalated during this phase
- Complications: New challenges and obstacles arise that heighten tension and make the protagonist's goal more difficult to achieve
- Character development: The protagonist and other characters are tested by these conflicts and complications, revealing their traits, motivations, and growth
- Build-up to climax: The rising action creates anticipation and sets the stage for the story's turning point, the climax, where the main conflict reaches its peak
In essence, rising action forms the bulk of the narrative, driving the story forward by deepening the plot and engaging the audience emotionally. Without it, the climax and resolution would lack context and impact
. Examples include the events in Little Red Riding Hood after she leaves for Grandma's house up to meeting the wolf, or Harry Potter receiving his Hogwarts letters until he embarks on the quest for the Sorcerer's Stone
. Thus, rising action is the escalating sequence of events that builds suspense and develops the story's conflicts and characters before reaching the climax.
