What is meant by a narrative arc?

A narrative arc refers to the structure and progression of a story, which typically outlines the sequence of events that lead to the climax and eventually the resolution. It encompasses the beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, ensuring a cohesive and compelling journey for the reader. This chronological construction helps to build tension and develop themes as the plot unfolds, guiding the reader through the characters' experiences and conflicts.

The other options, while they touch on aspects of storytelling, do not capture the full essence of what a narrative arc represents. For example, a divergent plotline, which may lead to confusion, does not reflect the organized structure inherent in a well-constructed narrative arc. Similarly, a character-driven approach is more focused on character development rather than the overall plot progression. Lastly, the final resolution of the story’s conflict is just one component of the narrative arc, rather than its defining characteristic.