Here's why it's considered the most intense:
* Rising Stakes: The climax typically follows a series of events that raise the stakes, making the situation more and more precarious for the protagonist.
* Turning Point: The climax often marks a turning point in the story, where the outcome of the conflict is determined.
* Emotional Impact: The climax is designed to have a strong emotional impact on the reader, leaving them on the edge of their seats.
While "climax" is the most common term, other words can be used to describe the most intense part of a story depending on the genre and context, such as:
* Showdown (in Westerns or action stories)
* Crisis (in thrillers or suspenseful narratives)
* Turning Point (in more general terms)
* Peak (in a metaphorical sense)
Ultimately, the most intense part of a story is the one that leaves the biggest impression on the reader, regardless of its specific name.