Which component of a narrative often resolves the conflict and ties up loose ends?

The resolution is the component of a narrative that specifically addresses and resolves the central conflict of the story. It is at this stage that the story's loose ends are tied up, and readers discover the outcomes of the characters’ actions and decisions. This part of the narrative clarifies how the initial problems have been handled and often provides a sense of closure or insight. The resolution usually follows the climax, which is the peak of the story’s action and emotional intensity but does not yet resolve the conflict.

In contrast, the exposition serves as the introduction to the characters, setting, and initial situation but does not deal with conflict resolution. The falling action occurs after the climax and demonstrates the fallout from the climax events, leading into the resolution, but it is not where the conflict itself is resolved. Therefore, it is the resolution that completes the narrative arc by bringing everything together in a satisfactory way for the reader.