Final answer:
The falling action serves to depict character changes post-climax and to bridge the story to the resolution. It lessens tension as conflicts resolve and can show either direct consequences or the wrapping up of story threads.
Step-by-step explanation:
The falling action in a narrative occurs after the climax, serving as the phase where things start to wind down. Typically, the falling action showcases two primary developments: firstly, it depicts characters coming away changed, often wiser after their climactic experiences; and secondly, it acts as a crucial bridge towards the narrative's resolution, known as the dénouement. During this phase, the tension noticeably lessens as the conflicts start to untangle, leading to a resolution where the narrative ultimately ends.
One way the falling action develops is by showing the consequences of the climax and how the characters deal with the aftermath. For example, after a central character's decisive battle, this phase might explore the character's reflection on the fight and its outcomes. Alternatively, the falling action may unfold through significant events that tie-up loose ends, setting the stage for the narrative to conclude smoothly. These events directly influence the unfolding of the story's conclusion, confirming whether the characters have achieved what they set out to do or not.