Complications are circumstances in a plot line that can interfere or disrupt something. In Pygmalion, there are many complications that don't actually change the outcome of the play, yet they threaten to. For instance, when Mr. Doolittle shows up to Higgins's home to ask for Eliza, the bet between Higgins and Pickering becomes potentially compromised. They assumed that they would have to return Eliza to her father, yet are relieved when they are able to pay Mr. Doolittle off a small sum of money in exchange for keeping her.