Which literary term describes a sudden dramatic change in the setting or events?

The term that best describes a sudden dramatic change in the setting or events is a transition. In literature, transitions serve as the mechanisms that connect different parts of the story; they can involve shifts in time, location, or circumstances that significantly impact the narrative. This helps the reader to understand how the story develops and moves from one moment to another.

In contrast, a scene typically refers to a specific setting or sequence of events within a larger narrative, but it does not inherently imply a dramatic change. A breach generally refers to a violation or infraction, which is not applicable to the context of setting or events in storytelling. An act often denotes a larger division of a play or a performance, but it does not convey the idea of a sudden change by itself.

Understanding transitions is crucial for grasping how stories unfold—and recognizing sudden changes enhances the overall appreciation of narrative techniques in literature.