Simple and Complex Plots

Plots are either Simple or Complex, for the actions in real life, of which the plots are an imitation, obviously show a similar distinction. An action which is one and continuous in the sense above defined, I call Simple, when the change of fortune takes place without Reversal of the Situation and without Recognition.

Plots are either Simple or Complex because the real-life actions they imitate clearly have the same distinction. I call an action Simple when it is unified and continuous, as defined above, and its change of fortune occurs without Reversal of the Situation or Recognition.

A Complex action is one in which the change is accompanied by such Reversal, or by Recognition, or by both. These last should arise from the internal structure of the plot, so that what follows should be the necessary or probable result of the preceding action. It makes all the difference whether any given event is a case of propter hoc or post hoc.

A complex action is one in which the change involves a reversal, a recognition, or both. The reversal or recognition should arise from the plot itself, so that it follows necessarily or probably from the preceding action. There is all the difference between an event happening because of an earlier event and happening merely after it.