How does the encounter between Rikki and Karait advance the plot of the story?

Rising Action and Plot Development

The encounter between Rikki and Karait is crucial in advancing the plot of the story because it serves as a key moment in the rising action. This segment of the story is where the conflict deepens, tension builds, and the stakes become higher. Specifically, the encounter with Karait creates tension and suspense, engaging the reader and leading towards the climax. The encounter is not about romance or resolving the primary conflict, and although it introduces a new character, its main purpose is to establish Rikki as a hero and set up the main conflict with the cobras, Nag and Nagaina.

In the narrative structure, the rising action comprises a series of events that intensify the conflict, drawing in the reader with increasing tension. An encounter such as the one between Rikki and Karait often introduces secondary conflicts or sub-climaxes that contribute to this escalation. It is through these pivotal moments that the protagonist's character is tested and the stage is set for the ultimate climax of the story.