What is the term for the author's arrangement of events that make up the action of a story?

The term that refers to the author's arrangement of events within a story is "plot." The plot encompasses the sequence of events and the structure of the narrative, including the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It is crucial because it organizes the story and guides the reader through the characters' experiences and the story's themes.

Understanding plot helps readers recognize how events develop and interact within the narrative, leading to a deeper comprehension of character motivations and the overall message of the story. This contrasts with terms like setting, which refers to the time and place where the events occur, and conflict, which pertains to the challenges faced by the characters. Narrative, while related, refers more broadly to the telling of the story itself, including the voice and perspective from which it is presented, and does not specifically denote the arrangement of events.