Structure and Plot Development

The plot follows a chronological structure, meaning events happen in the order they occur in the story.

Exposition (Chapter 1)

• The story begins with description of the island.
• The main characters are introduced: Ralph, Piggy, Jack, Simon, Roger, Samneric, and the other boys.

Rising Action (Chapters 2–8)

• A conflict develops between Ralph and Jack.
• Fear of the beast spreads, influencing the boys' behaviour.
• Simon understands the truth about the beast, but no one listens to him.

Climax (Chapters 9–11)

• Simon discovers the "Lord of the Flies" (a pig's head on a stick) and the dead airman, who was mistaken for the beast.
• When Simon tries to warn the others, he is killed.
• The conflict between Ralph and Jack escalates into a war between good and evil.
• Piggy is killed, and Ralph is forced to flee for his life.

Falling Action (Chapter 12)

• Sam and Eric betray Ralph's hiding place, and he is hunted.
• Jack's tribe sets fire to the forest to flush Ralph out.

Resolution

• A naval officer arrives and rescues the boys.
• Ironically, the boys escape their own savagery, only to return to a world at war.
• The ending raises the question: Have they learned from their experience?