falling action

American  

[fawl-ing ak-shuhn] / ˈfɔl ɪŋ ˈæk ʃən /

noun

1. the part of a literary plot that occurs after the climax has been reached and the conflict has been resolved.

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Usage

What is falling action? Falling action is what happens near the end of a story after the climax and resolution of the major conflict. The majority of literary and dramatic works (stories, novels, plays, movies) are built on action—characters doing things, typically pursuing things they want. The climax (the most intense part of the story, often a turning point or a conclusion to the conflict) is preceded by rising action and followed by falling action. Simply put, falling action is what the characters are doing after the story’s most dramatic part has happened. You can see falling action in action (see what we did there?) in just about any form of narrative. And being able to identify it and the other structural elements of a story can help you craft compelling stories of your own.

Example Sentences

On the planned casino, Park has voiced strong opposition to the project, citing concerns over the effect that the casino could have on local communities, such as increasing gambling addiction.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

The funding is a triumph for the National Council on Problem Gambling, which has been lobbying for federal funding toward gambling addiction programs since it was founded in 1972.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Some regulators say prediction markets are skirting sports-betting laws, which can call for licensing reviews, addressing gambling addiction and monitoring for fraud.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

She said the government would introduce "the first legally mandated" tax on the betting industry to fund gambling addiction treatment.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2024

Aoike, for one, prefers to remember Mizuhara as an excellent translator who never raised suspicions that he might have a gambling addiction.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024