Final answer:
The rising action in a story introduces complications and builds up the conflict, creating tension and setting the stage for the climax.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the rising action stage of a story, the writer typically introduces added complications that prevent the protagonist from reaching his or her goal. As part of this narrative phase, the protagonist encounters a series of events that create tension and build up to the story's climax. This can involve encountering secondary conflicts, setting out on a journey, meeting new characters, or facing a series of challenges. The rising action is essential as it fully develops the conflict and engages the reader by increasing the stakes and tension of the storyline, making the impending climax more impactful.