The plot reflects the characteristics of realist-era literature in that it does not revolve around dramatic events nor does it contain larger-than-life heroes.The story is carried forward by the complexity of its characters. It is the conflicts the characters experience that create causal relationships between two events that push the story forward. Although the author uses the backdrop of a war, the story "Editha" actually moves forward due to Editha’s manipulative character. She exploits her lover into believing in an idea he decidedly abhors, which in turn leads to his death.
But the death of George Gearson is not the culmination of the story; his death is only an event that leads Editha to go to Mrs. Gearson, who finally reveals to Editha the folly of her beliefs. The story upholds the ideals and opinions of George, who is not a conventionally heroic character.
