The climax marks the point in the narrative when the drama or action reaches its highest point. After the climax, the action cools off, then the story winds down or concludes.

In Samira Ahmed’s novel Internment, the climax occurs after the Director releases Layla from solitary confinement. Remember, in solitary confinement, the Director subjects Layla to verbal and physical abuse. The interrogations are packed with tension and drama. It might seem like this part could be called the climax. Yet as readers discover, the tension and the drama is about to escalate further.

After the Director lets her go, Layla realizes her parents have disappeared. She organizes another protest. This leads to another confrontation with the Director. This time, the Director orders the guards to shoot her. When the guards refuse, the Director opts to shoot her himself. Now, it’s probably safe to say the climax of the story has arrived. This is a life or death situation. It’s hard to surpass the drama of a life or death predicament.

After the showdown with the Director and the sacrifice of Jake, the falling action occurs. You could say the falling action is the camp closing down and the people gaining their freedom. This is followed by the conclusion in which Layla contemplates the selfless behavior of the people in the internment camp.

What triggers the falling action and conclusion is the climax, which, to reiterate, could be identified as the final showdown between Layla and the Director