Final answer:
The climax is the story's turning point where the conflict reaches its peak, leading to a resolution. It can be a battle, decision, or internal struggle, followed by the falling action where characters are often changed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The climax of a story is often regarded as the turning point, which is the moment in the story when the main conflict comes to a head and is on the verge of being resolved. It is not necessarily the most exciting part, but it is the peak of the action and the central event toward which the story has been building. It can take various forms, such as a decisive battle, a significant decision, an important revelation, or the culmination of an internal struggle. Following the climax is the falling action, where the tension decreases and characters may come away changed by their experiences.
Examples of Climax in Literature:
In Romeo and Juliet, the climax occurs when Romeo kills Tybalt, leading to a series of tragic events.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the climax is the showdown between Harry and Professor Quirrell/Voldemort as they fight for the Sorcerer's Stone.