comment on structure

The plot of the novel follows a two-act structure, which typically involves a set-up, an inciting incident, a midpoint reversal, further conflict or falling action, and conclusion. In this case, Zachary's death is the inciting incident and Alex and Lydia's affair is the midpoint reversal. This is the point at which the story is no longer about the characters' grief in the face of tragedy, but about what will happen in the awkward, strained relationships between Lydia, Christine, and Alex. The falling action contains their reactions—Christine is furious with both her friend and her husband; Lydia is despondent about losing Christine but desperate to hold onto Alex; and Alex goes back and forth between the two women, stuck in the middle and unable to assuage Christine's anger.