How does a 'climax' differ from an 'anticlimax'?

A climax serves as a pivotal moment in a story where the tension reaches its peak, leading to crucial turning points for the characters and overall narrative. This moment often involves significant conflict, emotion, or revelation, compelling the audience to become deeply engaged in the outcome. In contrast, an anticlimax occurs when the tension does not culminate in the expected powerful moment, often resulting in a less intense or even disappointing resolution. Anticlimaxes can subvert expectations and can sometimes serve a humorous purpose, but they generally resolve the buildup created earlier in the story.

The differences highlighted in the other choices are not accurate representations of how climax and anticlimax function in storytelling. For instance, the climax is not necessarily the end of a narrative; it typically leads to the resolution but can occur at different points depending on the structure. Additionally, character development can be explored during both climaxes and anticlimaxes, and the importance of a climax is generally recognized as greater in driving narrative momentum compared to an anticlimax.