In literature, what does 'denouement' refer to?

The term 'denouement' refers specifically to the resolution of the plot following the climax of a story. It is the part of the narrative where the complexities of the plot are unraveled, and the story reaches a point of closure. It often clarifies the outcomes for the characters, settles any remaining conflicts, and provides insight into the themes explored throughout the work. This stage is crucial as it ties up loose ends and helps the reader understand the narrative's direction and outcome. While the beginning of the story introduces characters and settings, and the climactic moment serves as a turning point, the denouement is distinct in that it signifies the final resolution. Character development, while important throughout the story, is not the focus of the denouement itself, which is primarily concerned with resolving plot points.