What is Falling Action in Storytelling — And Why It Matters

Aviv Shvitzky

When writing a story, every moment counts, but there is one critical stage where everything begins to wrap up—the falling action. It’s where the story transitions from conflict and chaos to resolution and peace. While it may seem like a minor part of the narrative, the falling action is essential in providing emotional release and satisfying your audience.

In this article, we’ll explore:

What is Falling Action?
The Role of Falling Action in Storytelling
How Falling Action Differs from Other Parts of a Story
Crafting a Satisfying Falling Action
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Examples of Falling Action in Popular Stories
Why Falling Action Is More Important Than You Think

What is Falling Action?

Falling action is the part of a story that follows the climax and leads into the resolution. It’s the stage where the story's central conflicts start to be resolved, and loose ends are tied up. After the intense emotional and narrative peaks of the climax, the falling action offers the opportunity for the story to settle down, giving both the characters and the readers a chance to breathe.

The Role of Falling Action in Storytelling

The falling action plays several key roles in storytelling:

Resolution of Conflicts: It provides the space for the protagonist to deal with the aftermath of the climax, and for conflicts to be resolved, whether through action, decisions, or revelations.
Character Development: Often, characters reflect on their actions and experiences, showing how they've grown or changed throughout the story.
Emotional Release: After the intensity of the climax, the falling action helps release built-up tension, offering catharsis and closure.

How Falling Action Differs from Other Parts of a Story

While falling action is essential for wrapping up a story, it’s important to distinguish it from other narrative components:

Climax vs. Falling Action: The climax is the highest point of tension in the story, while the falling action is the winding down process after that peak.
Denouement vs. Falling Action: While both are part of the story’s resolution, the denouement is often a final, reflective moment after the falling action, where any remaining questions are answered and the story reaches its ultimate conclusion.

Crafting a Satisfying Falling Action

A well-crafted falling action can elevate your story and make the resolution more impactful. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Stay Focused on the Core Conflict: The falling action should continue to deal with the primary conflict that was introduced earlier in the story. Don’t introduce new major problems at this point.
Pace It Carefully: The falling action is about winding down, so avoid dragging it out unnecessarily or speeding through it. It should feel like a natural progression from the high-energy climax.
Show Character Transformation: Use this time to highlight how your characters have changed. Whether they’ve grown stronger, learned something, or come to peace with their decisions, this is their moment to reflect.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

The falling action is a delicate phase that requires careful attention. Here are some mistakes writers often make:

Rushing the Falling Action: The falling action shouldn’t be rushed; it’s where the emotional payoff comes. Taking the time to explore characters’ feelings, actions, and consequences will make the resolution more satisfying.
Lack of Closure: If the falling action leaves too many questions unanswered or fails to address the aftermath of the climax, it can leave readers feeling unfulfilled.
Forgetting Character Growth: Ensure your characters undergo some form of transformation during the falling action, even if it’s just a quiet moment of realization.

Examples of Falling Action in Popular Stories

Let’s look at a few examples of falling action in well-known stories:

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling: After the intense final battle with Voldemort, the falling action shows Harry’s return to Hogwarts and the resolution of key relationships. It’s a time for reflection, with emotional moments like Harry’s forgiveness of Snape and the final victory over evil.
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien: The falling action is where the remaining loose ends of the story are tied up. The characters return home, and readers are given a glimpse into their lives after the epic adventure ends.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins: Katniss’s return to District 12 after the games serves as a falling action, showing her emotional journey as she processes the horrors of the arena and begins to reconcile with the world around her.

[BONUS] Why Falling Action Is More Important Than You Think

Many writers focus so much on the climax that they overlook the importance of the falling action. However, this phase is critical for giving the audience the emotional closure they need. It’s not just about tying up loose ends—it’s about taking the time to reflect on the journey, highlight how the characters have transformed, and deliver the emotional release that makes the climax meaningful.

Conclusion

Falling action is far from a simple afterthought—it’s an essential element of storytelling. By providing resolution, character development, and emotional release, the falling action allows the audience to fully appreciate the journey and experience a sense of closure. Mastering this stage of your story will ensure your narrative feels complete, satisfying, and resonant.

Have you experienced a falling action that left you breathless? Share your thoughts in the comments below!