In the novel A Separate Peace, the text is structured in a formation in which the main character, Gene Forrester, reflects on his past school days at Devon School Academy, in first person. This text takes place in the present, however the majority of the content are flashbacks to the memories taking place several years prior. The memory of Gene take place in sequence, or chronologically. The rising action, climax, and falling action are all part of the memory.
Conflict: Gene has a love/hate relationship with his friend Finny. Living in jealousy, he realizes that he is not off with Finny, but with himself.
Rising Action: Gene lives in constant grief and darkness in Finny's shadow and superiority. They climb trees together.
Climax: In the tree, as Finny was adjusting on the branch, Gene bounces the branch, causing Finny to plunge to the ground, shattering his leg, and destroying his athletic abilities.
Falling Action: Gene is put on trial for the accident, Finny falls down stairs and shatters his leg again, and dies during the operation. Gene reflects on their experiences.