#AP English Literature: Plot Structure & Development - Night Before Review 🚀

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam. This guide focuses on plot structure and development, which is super important for both multiple-choice and free-response questions. We'll break down how events, conflict, and resolution (or lack thereof) shape a story. Let's dive in!

#1. Significant Events: The Building Blocks of Plot

Significant events are like the major turning points in a story. They're not just random happenings; they directly relate to the main conflict and show the clash of ideas or values. Think of them as the 'big moments' that reveal character motivations and drive the narrative forward.

#Examples

• 1984 (George Orwell): The government's manipulation of history. Shows their disregard for truth and their obsession with power. 🏛️
• The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald): Gatsby's lavish parties. Demonstrates the wealthy's focus on pleasure and material wealth over morality. 🥂
• The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger): Holden's expulsion from school. Illustrates his rejection of the adult world and its 'phoniness.' 🎒

#2. Suspense: Keeping Readers Hooked

Suspense is that feeling of uncertainty or tension that makes you want to know what happens next. It's a mix of plot, characterization, setting, and tone, all working together to create anticipation.

#How to Build Suspense

• Introduce a Conflict: Start with a problem, big or small, to create uncertainty. ❓
• Arrange Events Carefully: The order of events can build tension. Think of a slow burn that gradually increases the stakes. 🔥

#3. Arrangement of Events: The Art of Storytelling

The way events are arranged can make or break a story's impact. Here are ...