Stories are journeys, aren’t they? We meet characters, they face problems, and things happen. But stories aren’t just about what happens; it’s about how it happens and the order it happens in. One important part of that order is something called “Falling Action.” Let’s explore what that is and how it works to make stories truly satisfying.
What is Falling Action?
Falling Action is the part of a story that comes after the climax and before the resolution. Think of it like this: the climax is the peak of a roller coaster, and the falling action is the ride slowly coming back to the station. It is where the consequences of the climax play out. It is the tying up of loose ends, the revealing of how characters have changed, and the showing of the new “normal” that results from the main conflict.
A Simple Definition
In its simplest form, falling action shows what happens because of the big fight, the important decision, or the key event that just happened.
Quick Examples of Falling Action
- A hero defeats a villain (climax). The falling action shows the hero is celebrated and the kingdom rejoices.
- A character confesses their feelings (climax). The falling action shows the reaction of the person they confessed to and the beginning of a new relationship or dealing with rejection.
- A mystery is solved (climax). The falling action shows the police arresting the criminal and explaining how they figured it all out.
Understanding the Role of Falling Action
The falling action isn’t just “extra stuff” tacked onto the end of a story. It is vital for a few reasons:
- It Provides Closure: Readers need to see the results of the conflict. What happens after the big moment is often just as important as the moment itself.
- It Develops Characters: How characters react to the aftermath of the climax reveals their true nature. Do they become arrogant? Humble? Do they learn from their mistakes?
- It Reinforces Themes: The falling action can highlight the central message of the story. Did the characters achieve what they set out to do? What did they learn along the way?
- It Creates a Sense of Completion: A well‑written falling action leaves readers feeling satisfied, not hanging with unanswered questions.
Digging Deeper: More Detailed Examples
Let’s look at some examples from well‑known stories to see how falling action works in practice.
Example 1: Little Red Riding Hood
Climax: The wolf is captured or defeated when the woodcutter arrives.
Falling Action: The woodcutter opens the wolf’s belly, revealing the trapped grandmother. The wolf is filled with stones, causing it to collapse. Little Red Riding Hood learns a lesson about listening to warnings. The grandmother recovers. Life returns to normal with greater caution.
Notice how the falling action isn’t just about the rescue. It is about the consequences of the event— the lesson learned, the recovery, and the return to a peaceful existence.
Example 2: The Three Little Pigs
Climax: The third pig’s brick house withstands the wolf’s huffing and puffing; the wolf cannot blow it down.
Falling Action: The pigs celebrate. The third pig has built a sturdy home. The other two pigs recognize the value of hard work and join him to rebuild their houses with brick. They all live happily ever after.
The falling action here shows the pigs applying the lesson learned. It is not enough that the wolf is gone; they must create a lasting solution to prevent future problems.
Example 3: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Climax: Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy overcome their pride and prejudice and declare their love for each other.
Falling Action: The falling action is extended. We see reactions of Elizabeth’s family: her mother delighted, her father amused. We see Darcy working to smooth over misunderstandings with Elizabeth’s family. Jane Bennet is happily engaged to Mr. Bingley. The final chapters show preparations for the weddings and a promise of a happy future. This extended falling action shows the social impact of the central relationship and demonstrates how characters have grown and changed.
Example 4: A Science Fiction Story – A Spaceship Returns
Climax: The spaceship successfully completes its mission and lands back on Earth after battling a dangerous alien force.
Falling Action: The crew is quarantined and undergoes medical examinations. Scientists analyze the alien technology they brought back. The world celebrates the crew as heroes. The government begins to prepare for potential future encounters with the aliens. The crew may deal with PTSD or adjust back to normal life. This falling action shows the wider implications of the mission and the challenges of integrating new knowledge into society.
Distinguishing Falling Action from Resolution
It’s easy to confuse falling action with the resolution. While they happen close together, they are not the same thing.
Falling Action: Shows the immediate consequences of the climax. It is about how things change after the big event.
Resolution: Provides a final sense of closure. It is the “happily ever after” or the final understanding. It is where the story truly ends.
Think of it like building a house. The falling action includes the finishing touches, such as painting the walls and installing the lights. The resolution is the housewarming party, the moment when everything is complete and settled.
Why Is Falling Action Important for Writers?
For aspiring writers, mastering falling action is crucial. A strong falling action:
- Makes your story more satisfying for readers.
- Adds depth and complexity to your characters.
- Reinforces your story’s themes and messages.
- Creates a more believable and immersive world.
Don’t rush the ending. Take the time to explore the consequences of your climax and show how your characters and world have been changed by the events of the story.
In conclusion, falling action is much more than just “what happens next.” It is a vital part of storytelling that adds depth, meaning, and satisfaction to the reader’s experience. By understanding and mastering this key literary device, you can craft stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.