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Climax
Climax is the term used to refer to the part of story or play where the tension or action reaches its highest part. Sometimes, the climax is a "crisis" point in the plot. Sometimes, it is just where things "come to a head" and something happens or the main character must make a decision that will lead to one outcome or another.
Those who analyze literature often represent the plot of a story with the diagram below. The climax is represented by the high point, and the action of the story begins to fall from there, until problems are resolved.
A good climax is one that is unexpected but still makes sense. It should be something that changes everything but is still believable.
A good climax should also be emotionally impactful. This is what will stay with the reader long after they finish the story.
But the most important thing about a good climax: the character needs to make a choice. This choice needs to be the hardest choice they've made in the entire story and show how much the character has grown. The climax is where your character proves they really are a changed person.
When you keep these things in mind, you can be sure that your story will have a strong and impactful climax.
Examples of Climax:
1. A little girl has been looking for her lost dog. She hears a bark coming from around the corner, and she looks around to see . . .
2. Kevin has worked very hard to try out for the soccer team at school. The coach has posted a list of this year's team members on his office door. Kevin walks forward to look at the list . . . .
3. Mary's parents have been discussing whether or not to move to another neighbourhood. They call Mary and her sister down to talk with them about their decision . . .
4. Lois has performed in the national gymnastics finals. She waits anxiously to hear the names of the winners. The announcer says, "And first place goes to . . ."
5. The school's netball team is down by three points in the fourth quarter. They are in goal range. The goal shooter aims, the ball is up, and the shot is . . . (good or bad?).
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