Question

In a work of fiction, what is the term for the series of events that builds toward the climax?

Answer 1

There is the exposition, which is the introduction and the rising action, which are the events building up to the climax.

Answer 2

The correct answer is rising action.

Exposition is the introduction, when we get to meet the characters and find out what's going on in general. Then follows rising action, which are various conflicts and events that lead toward the climax, which is the highest point within a story. After the climax, there is falling action, when things start to settle down slowly. In the end, we have denouement, which is when everything is finally solved.