Final answer:
The conflict in fiction does not always decrease and then disappear; it is a dynamic element that builds during the rising action, reaches a peak in the climax, and might begin to resolve during the falling action. The correct answer is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'The conflict in fiction always decreases and then disappears' is not always true. In literature, conflict is a key element that drives the narrative forward, whether in a short story, novel, or any other form of fiction. Conflicts can be internal, such as a character struggling with emotional issues or moral dilemmas, or external, such as a clash between characters or groups.
In the progression of a typical story, we first encounter the rising action, which introduces and develops the conflict, building tension that engages the reader. The climax follows as the highest point of tension and conflict in the narrative, necessitating a turning point or decisive action. During the falling action, we see the conflict begin to resolve, and the tension lessens as the characters come away from the climactic experiences, often changed or wiser.
The resolution is the final piece of the narrative structure, where the conflict is typically resolved and the story concludes. However, it's important to note that, particularly in naturalistic or more modern literature influenced by the complexities of real life, conflicts may not always be neatly resolved. Instead, a narrative might end with a reflection on the theme, lessons learned, or the outcome of the situation without a definitive resolution. This kind of ending can often be found in memoirs and personal narratives.
Furthermore, in certain genres like naturalistic novels, the plot of decline is a significant feature where, even after characters experience a temporary rise, they often commence a downward spiral due to hereditary and environmental pressures. Therefore, in stories following this pattern, the conflict does not necessarily decrease in a linear fashion leading to a resolution, but can rather increase and lead to degeneration or death of a character.