Final answer:
Conflict is essential in literature, serving to propel the plot through momentum, suspense, and a sense of purpose. It leads to an engaging rising action and eventually reaches a climax, maintaining reader interest and giving depth to characters and story.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, conflict is pivotal as it sets the plot in motion by introducing challenges that the characters must overcome. Through conflict, stories gain momentum, suspense, and a sense of purpose. The presence of conflict in a narrative keeps readers engaged and drives the story forward. Conflict can be depicted as the heart of the short story, crucial to both the plot and character development.
The story often commences with an Exposition, where the setting and characters are introduced, laying the groundwork for the plot. As conflict arises, whether as an inciting incident or ongoing struggles, the plot enters the Rising Action. This stage is characterized by events that amplify the conflict's impact, leading to the Climax, which is the peak of tension and turning point of the story.
Conflict can manifest in many forms, including internal struggle within a character or external battles between characters or against societal forces. The evolving tensions and challenges that arise from these conflicts captivate the audience and propel the narrative toward a resolution.