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In literature, a 'dénouement' (IPA: ) consists of a series of events that follow a dramatic or narrative's climax, thus serving as the conclusion of the story. Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a sense of catharsis, or release of tension and anxiety, for the reader. Etymologically, the French word ''dénouement'' is derived from the Old French word ''denoer'', "to untie", from ''nodus'', Latin for "knot." Simply put, a dénouement is the unraveling or untying of the complexities of a plot.
Also, the dénouement is the events after the climax and the "Falling Action" occur. Though similar, "Falling Action" is a completely different topic.
A classic example of dénouement is the final scene of Shakespeare’s comedy ''As You Like It'': couples marry, an evildoer repents, two disguised characters are revealed for all to see, and a ruler is restored to power.
There are works which have no dénouement, mainly due to a quick surprise ending (such as ''Lord of the Flies'').

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See also

See also

★ Catastrophe

★ Detective denouement

★ Peripeteia

★ Slice of Life Story