What role does conflict play in a story?

Conflict serves a crucial role in driving the plot forward by creating challenges and obstacles that characters must navigate. It introduces tension and complications that propel the narrative, engaging readers by making them invested in the characters' struggles and the resolution of those challenges. As characters confront conflict, they often undergo development, revealing their motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. This dynamic is essential in building suspense and interest in the story, as it compels the characters to grow and adapt, ultimately leading them toward a resolution.

The other options do not capture the centrality of conflict in the narrative. While it might be a secondary plot point in some stories, its primary function is much more significant than that. Conflict is not merely an obstacle to be avoided; rather, it is an integral part of the characters' journeys. Additionally, while conflict may peak during the climax, it is not exclusive to that moment and often unfolds throughout various stages of the narrative. This makes the chosen answer a comprehensive understanding of the role of conflict in storytelling.