Final answer:
The second main event in a story is the rising action, where conflicts are developed and tension is built, leading up to the climax. It follows the exposition and consists of a series of events that deepen the plot and engage the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second main event in a story typically refers to the rising action, which comes after the exposition. The rising action is crucial as it develops the plot towards the climax. This part of the narrative introduces secondary conflicts, builds tension, provides deeper insight into the characters, and sets the stage for the climax. It often contains a series of challenges or obstacles that the protagonist must overcome. The rising action is what hooks readers into the story, as they become invested in the characters and the outcome of their struggles.
The exposition, which can be seen as the first main event, sets the scene by introducing the main characters, the setting, and potential conflicts. Following the exposition, the rising action takes these elements and expands upon them, creating a richer and more complex narrative. As these events progress, they typically become more intense, leading up to the climax where the protagonist faces a major turning point or confrontation.
In summary, the second main event, or the rising action, is where the narrative's tension escalates and the story's main conflict becomes increasingly complicated, guiding readers toward the story's most dramatic moment, the climax.