What literary term is associated with the building of suspense leading to the climax?

The term associated with the building of suspense leading to the climax is known as rising action. This phase occurs after the exposition, where characters, settings, and initial conflicts are introduced. During the rising action, a series of events unfold that create tension and complications, escalating the stakes for the characters. It develops the story's conflicts and deepens the audience's investment in the narrative, ultimately culminating in the climax where the conflict reaches its highest point. Rising action is essential for establishing emotional and dramatic peaks that keep readers engaged as they anticipate the outcome of the story.