"Hurricane Friends" is structured like a short novel, and thus has novelistic elements like chapter breaks, complex character development, and ramifying subplots. The main plot focuses on how the characters cope with Hurricane Andrew, a tremendous storm that took lives, destroyed homes, and devastated land in parts of south Florida. Bernardo uses this real catastrophe to add authenticity and dramatic intensity to the background which tests the resolve, nerve, and charitableness of Clari, her family, and Mrs. Murphy. It also provides a sense of direction for her narrative: the story's first movement is driven by the anticipation of the hurricane; its second movement is driven by her characters' efforts to survive the hurricane; and its final brief movement is driven by people's responses to what the hurricane did.

The' main plot is enhanced by the subplots of the conflict between Clari and Mrs. Murphy and Clari's...