Question

read this excerpt from \thank you, maam.\
the strap broke with the single tug the boy gave it from behind. but the boy’s weight and the weight of the purse combined caused him to lose his balance so, instead of taking off full blast as he had hoped, the boy fell on his back on the sidewalk, and his legs flew up.
this excerpt introduces:
○ the central theme.
○ the antagonist.
○ the falling action.
○ the main conflict.

Explanation:

• The central theme (like empathy or second chances) is not introduced here; this is an early action, not a thematic statement.
• The antagonist is not shown here; the excerpt only focuses on the boy's failed theft attempt, no opposing character is introduced.
• Falling action occurs after the climax, but this is the start of the conflict, not the resolution phase.
• This excerpt shows the boy's failed attempt to steal Mrs. Jones' purse, which is the inciting incident that launches the main conflict between the two characters.

Answer:

the main conflict.