What is the term for a related series of incidents in a literary plot that build toward the point of greatest interest?

The term that describes a related series of incidents in a literary plot that build towards the point of greatest interest is known as rising action. This part of a story develops the conflict and increases the tension as the narrative progresses, leading up to the climax, which is the highest point of emotional intensity in the story. Rising action involves events and complications that create suspense and engage the reader, making it crucial for the overall structure of the plot. It includes various events that connect to the main conflict, contributing to character development and theme, ultimately drawing readers deeper into the story.

In contrast, the other terms do not apply to this concept. A word root refers to the base part of a word from which other words can be formed. A topic is a subject or theme of a text but does not imply a progression of events. A stanza refers to a grouped set of lines typically in a poem, which is unrelated to the structure of a narrative plot.