D). Natural consequences do not occur as expected.
Explanation:
As per the question, option D i.e. 'Natural consequences do not occur as expected' displays the element present in a literary selection that would assist in identifying a particular passage as a comedy instead of any other genre of fiction. When the expected or reasonable consequence does not occur as a response to the rising action in the plot and rather occurring unexpectedly evoke humor in the narrative and gives a comic element to it. This unexpected turn of events would divert the logic and provide a comic effect to the story. Therefore, <u>option D</u> is the correct answer.