Which element of a story refers to the conflict and main events?

The element of a story that refers to the conflict and main events is the plot. Plot encompasses the sequence of events and actions that take place in the narrative, highlighting how the conflict is introduced, developed, and resolved. It encompasses various components such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which together create the essence of the story.

In contrast, the setting refers to the time and place in which the story occurs, whereas the theme represents the underlying message or main idea that the author wants to convey. Tension, although important to storytelling, specifically relates to the emotional strain and excitement within the plot, rather than the overall structure of events and conflicts that define the storyline. Therefore, identifying the plot as the correct element reflects an understanding of how narratives are typically constructed around central conflicts and the events that arise from them.