Stage 32 Glossary

climax

A climax is the highest point of anxiety or tension in a script or film in which the central character/protagonist faces, confronts, and deals with the consequence(s) of all their actions, or faces the antagonist in a climactic battle or final engagement. A crisis often leads to a climax. Also called the film's "high point," "zenith," "apex," or "crescendo." It may be followed by an anti-climax or denouement.