What is the rhyme scheme characteristic of the Terza Rima verse form?

The Terza Rima verse form is notable for its interlocking rhyme scheme, which is indeed represented as aba bcb cdc. This distinctive structure consists of three-line stanzas (tercets) where the first and third lines rhyme, and the second line introduces a new rhyme that is then used in the subsequent stanza. This pattern creates a continuous flow and connection between the stanzas, enhancing the overall unity of the poem. The use of Terza Rima is most famously illustrated in Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy," where the interwoven rhymes contribute to the work's intricate narrative and thematic depth.

The other rhyme schemes provided do not align with the Terza Rima structure; for instance, abba denotes an enclosed rhyme often found in larger quatrains, while abab represents an alternating rhyme scheme typical of ballads and traditional sonnets. The aabb form consists of couplets, which is another distinct structure that doesn't reflect the interlocking characteristic of Terza Rima.