According to E.M. Forster, what does a plot help readers understand?

A plot serves as the framework for a narrative, guiding readers through the sequence of events and their interconnections. E.M. Forster emphasizes that plot reveals the motivations for characters’ actions and the causal relationships between events, allowing readers to grasp not just what happens, but why it happens. This understanding of motivations enriches the reader's experience by providing insights into the characters' choices and the consequences of those choices, leading to a deeper engagement with the story.

While elements like character development, setting, and historical context certainly enhance a narrative, they are not the primary focus of plot according to Forster's viewpoint. Instead, he stresses the plot’s role in outlining how actions are motivated and what causes events to unfold, which is crucial for fostering a complete understanding of the story's dynamics.