The Plot.
There are two threads to the story, one concerned with the love story of Ellen and Malcolm, the main plot; and one with Roderick and his clan against the King, the minor plot. The connection between them is very slight, the story of Ellen could have been told almost without the other, but the struggle of the Clan makes a fine background for the love story of Ellen and Malcolm. The plot is an excellent one for the beginner to study as the structure is so evident. The following is a simple outline of the main incidents of the story.
I. The complication:
1. The coming of the stranger, later supposed by Roderick to be a spy of the King.
2. The return of Douglas, guided by Malcolm, an act which brings Malcolm under the displeasure of the King.
3. Roderick’s proposal for Ellen’s hand in order to avert the danger threatening Ellen and Douglas because of the recognition of the latter by the King’s men.
4. The rejection of the proposal, leading to the withdrawal of Ellen and her father to Coir-Uriskin and the departure of Douglas to the court to save Roderick and Malcolm.
5. The preparations for war made by Roderick, including the sending of the Fiery Cross, and the Taghairm.
II. The height or climax.
1. Ellen and Allan-Bane at Coir-Uriskin.
2. Douglas on his way to give himself up.
3. Malcolm in prison for aiding Douglas.
III. The turning point in the plot.
1. The coming of Fitz-James.
2. The giving of the ring.
3. The gay music of the harp.
IV. The unraveling of the plot.
1. The triumph of Fitz-James over Roderick.
2. The interest reawakened in the King by Douglas’s prowess and generosity.
3. The arrival of Ellen at the court.
4. The battle of Beal ’an Duine.
5. Roderick’s death.
6. The freeing of Malcolm.
7. The restoration of the Douglases.