Here's what falling action typically does:
* Show the immediate consequences of the climax: How did the events of the climax change the characters or the situation?
* Provide closure: The falling action helps tie up loose ends and provides a sense of finality.
* Set up the resolution: The falling action often leads directly into the resolution, where the final outcome of the story is revealed.
Think of it like the aftermath of a big storm. The climax is the storm itself, and the falling action is the clearing of the skies, the sun breaking through the clouds, and the assessment of the damage.
Example:
Imagine a story about a young writer who has to choose between a safe, stable job and pursuing his passion for writing. The climax is the moment he quits his job to focus on his writing.
The falling action might include:
* The immediate consequences: The writer's family is worried and disappointed, and he experiences some financial hardship.
* Closure: He finds a part-time job to help make ends meet. He joins a writing group and gets valuable feedback on his work.
* Setting up the resolution: The writer begins to get published and his writing career begins to take off.
The falling action is essential for a satisfying short story. It allows the reader to process the climax and see how the events unfold, leading to the resolution and a sense of closure.