Introduction
Hi! This is study guide 9.2. Here, we’ll expand on the importance of plot structure and development, both of which are topics we’ve looked at in previous study guides. We’ll look at how significant events contribute to the plot and create suspense, how conflict is created, and how resolutions are reached. The last concept we will touch on is what it’s like when a text has no resolution.
Let’s get started!
Significant Events
Significant events usually relate to the text’s main conflict, and serve as vivid examples of the conflicting ideologies and beliefs that are present within the story. These events can illuminate the internal struggles and tensions that drive the narrative, as characters are forced to confront and reconcile their differing values.
Examples
For instance, in George Orwell's "1984," the government's manipulation of history illustrates their complete disregard for truth and their prioritization of power over integrity. Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the lavish parties and decadent lifestyle of the wealthy characters demonstrate their prioritization of pleasure and material wealth over morality and ethics, ultimately leading to the novel's tragic outcome.
Another example could be found in J.D Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" where Holden Caulfield's expulsion from his school and subsequent actions highlights his rejection of the adult world and its values, as he struggles to come to terms with the loss of innocence and the phoniness of the adult world.
These events serve to not only advance the plot, but also provide insight into the underlying themes and conflicts that shape the characters and their world. They allow the reader to understand the characters' motivations and the consequences of their actions.
Suspense
Suspense in narratives is the feeling of uncertainty or tension that a reader or viewer experiences as they follow a story. It is created by a combination of different elements such as plot, characterization, setting, and tone. One of the key ways to build suspense is through the use of significant events, arranged in a particular order. These events can be small or large, but they must be important enough to the story that they capture the reader or viewer's attention and create a sense of anticipation.
One example of a significant event that can build suspense is the introduction of a conflict or problem. This can be something as simple as a character losing their keys or something as complex as a global conspiracy. The introduction of a problem creates a sense of uncertainty. As the story progresses and these events unfold, the reader or viewer becomes increasingly invested in the outcome and the tension continues to build.
Arrangement of Events
The particular arrangement of significant events in a text can greatly contribute to suspense and anticipation in several ways.
Firstly, the order in which events are presented can create a sense of progression and build-up. For example, a story that starts with a small problem and gradually escalates to a larger conflict will create a sense of tension as the stakes become higher. This can also be achieved through the use of a non-linear narrative structure, where events are presented out of chronological order, creating a sense of mystery and uncertainty.
Secondly, the use of cliffhangers, a technique where a story ends on a suspenseful or dramatic note, can greatly contribute to anticipation. This is particularly effective when the cliffhanger is a significant event that leaves the reader or viewer with a sense of uncertainty and a desire to find out what happens next.
Thirdly, the use of red herrings, false clues or misleading information, can also contribute to anticipation. This technique is often used in mystery or crime fiction where the reader is led to believe one thing but is later revealed to be something else. This creates a sense of surprise and the reader is eager to find out the truth.
Finally, the use of foreshadowing, as previously mentioned, can also contribute to anticipation by giving the reader or viewer an idea of what might happen in the future. This can create a sense of expectation and encourage the reader or viewer to pay close attention to the story in order to understand the significance of the foreshadowed events.
How is Conflict Created?
In literature, the idea of an unseen character or preceding action can have a significant impact on the story and the characters within it. This concept is known as "unseen forces" and is often used to add complexity and conflict to a narrative.
For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the unseen character of Daisy Buchanan's husband, Tom, creates a significant conflict for the titular character, Gatsby. Gatsby is deeply in love with Daisy and is determined to win her back, but he is unaware of her marriage to Tom. This unseen force ultimately leads to Gatsby's tragic downfall.
Resolution
The resolution of a story is the part of the plot that comes after the climax, in which the conflicts and tensions of the story are resolved. It’s where the protagonist’s goal is achieved or not, and the story's conflicts are brought to an end. The resolution ties up any loose ends, and leaves the audience with a sense of closure.
One of the key elements of the resolution is the moment of catharsis or emotional release, which is the point at which the audience experiences a sense of relief or release from the tension and conflict that has been building throughout the story. This can take many forms, depending on the story and the genre.
For example, in a mystery story, the resolution may involve the detective solving the crime and bringing the perpetrator to justice, which provides a sense of closure for the audience. In a romance story, the resolution may involve the main characters finally confessing their love for each other and getting together, which provides a sense of emotional release for the audience. In a tragedy, the resolution may involve the death of the main character, which provides a sense of emotional release for the audience as they understand the tragic events which led to it.
Lack of Resolution
When a work of literature lacks resolution, it can have a significant impact on how the reader interprets and understands the story. Without a clear resolution, the reader may be left feeling confused or uncertain about the meaning of the story or the fate of the characters. This can be intentional on the part of the author, as it allows the reader to interpret the story in their own way and come to their own conclusions.
In some cases, the lack of resolution may be used to create a sense of ambiguity or open-endedness in the story. This can be used to convey themes such as the uncertainty of life, the complexity of human emotions, or the idea that there are no easy answers to the problems of the world. It can also be used to create a sense of unease, or to leave the reader with a feeling of unresolved tension.
For example, in Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" the two main characters waiting for someone named Godot but he never shows up, and the play ends with them still waiting. The lack of resolution in this play has been interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, the futility of waiting for something that may never come, and the endless cycle of repetition in life.
In other cases, the lack of resolution can be seen as a weakness in the story. It can create a sense of frustration in the reader, who may feel that the story is incomplete or unsatisfying. This can be especially true in genre fiction, where the reader may expect a clear resolution to the conflicts and tensions that have been building throughout the story.
In any case, the lack of resolution can greatly influence the reader's interpretation of a work of literature. It can make them question the story, the characters, and the themes, and it can lead to different interpretations and understandings of the story.
Conclusion
Plot structure and development is important in literature, as significant events, suspense, and resolution all contribute to the narrative. Significant events can be used to create suspense and anticipation, and the arrangement of these events can create a sense of progression and build-up. Conflict is created by the introduction of unseen forces, and resolution is the part of the plot that comes after the climax, in which the conflicts and tensions of the story are resolved. The lack of resolution can also be used to create a sense of ambiguity or open-endedness in the story, or it can be seen as a weakness in the story.
Vocabulary
The following words are mentioned explicitly in the College Board Course and Exam Description for this topic.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| anticipation | The reader's expectation or sense of what might happen next in a narrative, creating suspense. |
| catharsis | A moment of emotional release or purification that often occurs when central conflicts in a plot are resolved. |
| competing value systems | Conflicting sets of beliefs, principles, or priorities held by different characters or groups within a text. |
| conflict | A struggle or opposition between characters, forces, or ideas that drives the narrative forward. |
| plot | The sequence of events in a narrative that are connected through cause-and-effect relationships, with each event building on the others. |
| resolution | The part of a narrative where conflicts are settled and loose ends are tied up after the climax. |
| significant event | A key occurrence or moment in a plot that drives the narrative forward and contributes to the development of themes and conflicts. |
| suspense | The tension or uncertainty created in a narrative that keeps the reader engaged and wondering about the outcome of events. |
| unresolved ending | A conclusion to a narrative in which central conflicts remain unsettled, leaving ambiguity about outcomes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thematic complexity and how do I identify it in a text?
Thematic complexity means a text presents more than one idea about a topic—often conflicting values, tensions, or unresolved questions—so the theme isn’t simple or single-minded. To identify it, do these steps: - Track the central conflict(s). Ask which value systems collide in key events (STR-1.AI). - Map significant events and how they function in the plot (STR-1.E): which events force choices, reveal values, or create suspense? - Notice structure choices: order of revelation, foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and any unseen actions or characters that create tension (keywords: foreshadowing, dramatic irony, unseen character). - Check the ending: is there catharsis or an unresolved ending that complicates interpretation (STR-1.AK, STR-1.AM)? - Ask: “What multiple interpretations are supported by the text?” and cite specific moments that back each reading. On the exam, FRQs expect you to analyze how elements develop a “thematic, topical, or structural aspect” that’s complex—so use specific evidence and explain function. For a focused review, see the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
How do I explain what a significant event does in a plot for my essay?
Think of a significant event as a plot tool that moves meaning, not just action. In your essay say where the event sits (inciting incident, turning point, climax, or denouement) and then explain two things it does: 1) advances narrative causality—how it creates consequences that shape later scenes (rising action → suspense → catharsis or unresolved ending), and 2) reveals or complicates conflict—often showing competing value systems, unseen pressures, or character choices. Support this with concrete evidence (brief quote or specific action) and explain how that evidence links the event to theme. For example: “X’s refusal at the climax forces Y’s exile, exposing the novel’s tension between duty and autonomy,” then show lines that prove it. Remember AP rubric: give a defensible thesis, use textual evidence, and explain how technique contributes to meaning (STR-1 objectives: STR-1.E, STR-1.F). For a quick refresher, check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX). For extra practice, try Fiveable’s practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
What's the difference between conflict and theme in literature?
Conflict is what happens in the story—the opposing forces that drive the plot (characters vs. self, society, nature, or competing value systems). Conflicts create significant events, rising action, suspense, a climax, and sometimes catharsis or an unresolved ending (see STR-1.AI, STR-1.AK, STR-1.AM). Theme is the larger idea or insight the text explores about life, values, or human nature—what the conflict and its resolution (or lack of one) suggest about those ideas. So: conflict = the engine of plot/structure (inciting incident → rising action → climax → denouement); theme = the interpretation you make from how those plot events and character choices play out. On the AP exam, you’ll need to show how specific events and conflicts function to develop a theme (use textual evidence, make a defensible thesis, and explain how techniques contribute to meaning). For a quick review, check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
I'm confused about competing value systems - how do they show up in stories?
Competing value systems show up as repeated events or conflicts that force characters to choose between different goods (duty vs. desire, tradition vs. progress, individual freedom vs. community). In CED terms, those significant events often “illustrate competing value systems” (STR-1.AI) and drive rising action: each collision of values raises anticipation and suspense until the climax or—sometimes—an unresolved ending that shapes interpretation (STR-1.AJ, STR-1.AM). When you write about this on the exam, explain how a key event (or set of events) functions in the plot: what value each side represents, how events force choices, and how the resolution or lack of one produces catharsis or ambiguity (STR-1.F, STR-1.AK). For examples and practice applying this, check the Topic 9 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and practice sets (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
How do I analyze events that create suspense and anticipation in a narrative?
Look for how the author sequences and piles up events to delay payoff. Events in rising action often introduce or intensify conflict between competing values, hint at consequences (foreshadowing), or reveal information unevenly (dramatic irony)—all of which build anticipation and suspense (STR-1.AI, STR-1.AJ). Ask: what is withheld, who knows what, and how do smaller incidents escalate stakes toward the climax? Note unseen actions or offstage characters that create implied threats (STR-1.AL). In your essay, explain the function of a key event or cluster of events: how they heighten expectation, sharpen conflict, and set up catharsis or an unresolved ending (STR-1.E, STR-1.AK, STR-1.AM). Practice identifying these devices on timed passages so you can cite specific moments and show how structure shapes theme. For a focused review, see the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
What does catharsis mean and how do I write about it in my analysis?
Catharsis = the emotional release readers/characters feel when a plot’s central conflict is resolved (the moment of resolution, climax, or denouement). The CED calls this the “moment of catharsis or emotional release” and notes it’s tied to plot function and conflict (STR-1.AK). How to write about it in an AP essay (3 steps): 1) Claim: in your thesis name the event as the cathartic moment and say how it changes interpretation (e.g., “The climax’s confession provides catharsis that reframes the protagonist’s moral growth”). 2) Evidence: quote the event and nearby lines that build anticipation/suspense (rising action → climax → denouement). Show how structural choices (sequence, withheld info, unresolved threads) create that release. 3) Explain: link the emotional release to theme and reader effect—does catharsis resolve competing value systems or leave tensions (STR-1.AI, STR-1.AM)? Discuss whether an unresolved ending denies catharsis and why that matters. For more on plot, suspense, and exam practice, see the unit 9 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
Can someone explain what an unseen character is and why it matters?
An unseen character is someone the narrator or other characters talk about but who never appears on stage/page. Even though they’re absent, they matter because they shape plot, conflict, and theme. The CED calls this out: “things not actually shown… may be in conflict with or result in conflict for a character” (STR-1.AL). An unseen character can: create suspense or anticipation, motivate actions (narrative causality), embody competing value systems, or produce dramatic irony when readers know about them but characters don’t. They’re a compact way to develop thematic complexity—you learn about values, guilt, or power through reactions to the absent person rather than direct description. For AP essays, point out how the unseen figure functions (causal trigger, source of conflict, symbol, or foil) and tie that to meaning or resolution (STR-1, STR-1.F). For a quick refresher on plot and resolution, see the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and more unit review (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9). Practice applying this with questions at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
How do I identify conflicts that aren't directly shown in the text?
Look for what the text implies rather than what it names. Unseen conflicts often show up as: - Reactions and choices: a character’s anxiety, avoidance, or sudden decision can signal pressure from an unseen person or past event (STR-1.AL). - Gaps and delays: what the narrator omits, pauses over, or rearranges in the plot can point to preceding actions that cause conflict (narrative causality, foreshadowing). - Competing value systems: recurring events that force choices reveal conflicts between values even if the antagonist never appears (STR-1.AI). - Symbolic details and repeated images: objects or settings that recur often stand for unresolved tension. - Tension in structure: withheld info, suspense, or an unresolved ending can foreground an unseen struggle (STR-1.AK, STR-1.AM). On the exam, treat unseen conflict as a defensible interpretive claim—support it with specific events, character reactions, and structural cues (use textual evidence to show how the implication functions). For quick review, check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
What's the function of unresolved endings and how do I analyze them?
Unresolved endings purposely leave central conflicts or outcomes open so readers must weigh meanings—CED calls this a structural choice that “may contribute to interpretations of the text” (STR-1.AM). Functionally, they: - Highlight competing value systems or moral ambiguity rather than neat catharsis. - Preserve suspense/anticipation and force you to think about unseen actions or consequences. - Emphasize theme by refusing closure (e.g., justice, identity, or power remain unsettled). How to analyze one on the exam: name the unresolved element, link it to the central conflict or competing values (STR-1.AI / STR-1.F), cite specific passages showing buildup/foreshadowing, and explain how lack of resolution shapes interpretation (tone, character development, reader response). In your thesis-driven FRQ, argue what the ambiguity suggests thematically and show how structure—what’s omitted or left off-page—creates meaning. For a quick refresher, see the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
I don't understand how events "collide and accumulate" - what does this mean?
“Events collide and accumulate” just means that plot incidents stack up and interact so tension grows. Early events introduce conflicts or competing value systems (STR-1.AI). As those incidents happen one after another—inciting incident, rising action, setbacks, confrontations—theyn’t only add facts; they run into each other (characters’ goals clash, past choices resurface) and build anticipation and suspense (STR-1.AJ). That piling-up pushes the story toward a climax where the central conflict resolves or remains unresolved (catharsis or lack of it: STR-1.AK, STR-1.AM). On the AP exam, identify which events escalate conflict and how their sequence creates suspense or release—use terms like rising action, climax, denouement. Want practice spotting this in passages? Check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
How do I write about emotional release moments in my rhetorical analysis essay?
Treat an emotional release moment (catharsis) like any other structural choice: identify its function in the plot and link it to conflict resolution, pacing, and theme. In your thesis name the moment and claim what it does (e.g., it resolves competing value systems, intensifies irony, or leaves an unresolved ache). Then select specific evidence (dialogue, verbs, imagery, sentence length) that shows how the scene produces release—point out buildup (rising action/anticipation), the climax, and the denouement. Explain causally: how did earlier events or unseen actions make that release possible? Connect tone shifts, syntax, and diction to reader effect. Remember AP expectations: a defensible thesis, specific evidence, and clear explanation of how the evidence supports your claim (see STR-1.AK, STR-1.AI). For tips and examples, check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and practice more with AP-style prompts (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
What are competing value systems and how do they relate to plot conflicts?
Competing value systems are different beliefs, goals, or moral codes that characters (or groups) hold—for example duty vs. desire, tradition vs. progress, or individual freedom vs. social order. In plot terms, significant events often put those systems in direct conflict (STR-1.AI): an inciting incident or a crisis forces a character to choose, reveal priorities, or clash with others. Those collisions drive rising action and create suspense/anticipation as events accumulate toward a climax (STR-1.AJ). How the conflict is resolved—resolved, partially resolved, or left unresolved—shapes interpretations and can produce catharsis (STR-1.AK) or ambiguity (STR-1.AM). For AP essays, explain how a specific event exposes competing values and connects to the plot’s structure and resolution. For examples and practice, check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
How do I analyze a character who is mentioned but never actually appears in the story?
Treat that unseen character as a structural choice that creates conflict and shapes theme. Ask: what do other characters say or do because of them? Use STR-1.AL (CED)—unseen figures often generate offstage events or tensions that drive plot and reveal competing value systems. Track references, tone, gaps, and contradictions: repeated mentions create anticipation/suspense; conflicting accounts can imply unreliable narration or competing values; silence or absence can signal loss, power, or moral judgment. Tie those effects to thematic claims (e.g., absence reveals guilt, social pressure, or the limits of memory) and explain causality—how the unseen person’s implied actions set off key events (inciting incident, rising action, climax, denouement). In an essay, state a clear thesis about the unseen character’s function, cite specific lines that show others’ reactions, and link those to theme. For a quick refresher, see the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
What's the difference between resolution and catharsis in literature?
Resolution is the plot’s outcome—the point where central conflicts are settled and narrative causality is tied up (think denouement or how events answer the story’s questions). Catharsis is the emotional release readers or characters feel at—or because of—that settlement: a feeling of relief, pity, or cleansing (the CED even links catharsis to resolution: STR-1.AK). They’re related but not the same: a story can have a clear resolution without producing catharsis, or it can end unresolved (STR-1.AM) and still create emotional impact by leaving tension open. On the AP exam, when you explain plot function (STR-1) be precise: identify which events resolve conflicts and describe the emotional effect those events produce for characters/audience. For a quick refresher, see the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX). More unit review: (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9). Practice Qs: (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).
I missed class - can someone explain how significant events illustrate themes?
Significant events illustrate themes by making abstract ideas concrete: a plot’s inciting incident, climax, or a string of collisions between events reveal competing value systems and heighten suspense, which guides interpretation (STR-1.AI, STR-1.AJ). When you explain a significant event on the exam, name the event, link it to the conflict or value system it exposes (e.g., duty vs. desire), and show how its placement in the structure (rising action, climax, denouement) shapes meaning or catharsis (STR-1.F, STR-1.AK). Also note unseen actions or unresolved endings—they can create conflict or thematic ambiguity (STR-1.AL, STR-1.AM). On FRQs, build a thesis that connects event → conflict/value system → thematic claim, then support with specific evidence and explanation (per AP free-response guidance). For a quick refresher, check the Topic 9.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9/suspense-resolution-plot-development/study-guide/wElvvps0lbOUyZoJDfhX) and the Unit 9 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-english-literature/unit-9). Practice applying this to passages at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-english-literature).