What does "cause and effect" mean?

The concept of "cause and effect" refers specifically to the relationship between events where one event, known as the cause, leads to another event, known as the effect. In this context, understanding this relationship helps readers analyze how events are interconnected within a story or a situation. For example, if a character forgets their umbrella (the cause), they might get wet in the rain (the effect). This illustrates how certain actions or events can trigger subsequent outcomes. Recognizing cause and effect is crucial in comprehension, as it allows readers to follow the narrative logically and understand the motivations and consequences of characters' actions.