When using MLA citations, how should the authors' names be arranged?

In MLA style citations, author names are listed in a specific order determined by the number of authors and the citation type. Placement depends on whether it is a Works Cited entry or an in-text citation. For a single author in the Works Cited, list the last name first, followed by a comma and the first name. When multiple authors are involved, invert only the first author's name (Last name, First name); subsequent authors follow standard First Name Last Name order. Two authors are connected by "and." For sources with three or more authors, list only the first author followed by "et al." in both Works Cited and in-text citations. Corporate authors or organizational names are listed verbatim. Alphabetization of entries in the Works Cited list is based on the first author's last name. Correct author arrangement ensures attribution clarity and facilitates source retrieval. This consistent formatting prevents confusion, maintains professional integrity, and adheres strictly to MLA guidelines for avoiding plagiarism. In-text citations rely on partial author details, utilizing the leading author's last name and "et al." where applicable, to seamlessly integrate source information within the narrative.