What term refers to the resolution of a story's plot?

The term that refers to the resolution of a story's plot is denouement. In literary structure, the denouement follows the climax and serves to tie up loose ends and resolve conflicts that have arisen during the narrative. It provides closure, often explaining the fates of the characters and revealing any final insights about the story’s themes.

While exposition introduces the characters, setting, and initial conflict, and rising action builds tension leading up to the climax, and the climax represents the turning point or moment of greatest intensity in the story, the denouement is specifically focused on concluding the narrative and answering any lingering questions. This makes it a crucial component in understanding how a story wraps up and delivers its final messages.