How are shared electron pairs represented in Lewis structures?

In Lewis structures, a shared electron pair—also known as a bonding pair—is represented by a line (or dash) connecting the two bonded atoms.12

This convention, which evolved from the "electron dot diagrams" originally introduced by the American chemist Gilbert N. Lewis, serves to symbolize the electronic structure of molecules. While a single line indicates a single bond involving one electron pair, multiple bonds are represented by additional lines: double lines (=) indicate a double bond (two electron pairs), and triple lines (≡) represent a triple bond.342

It is important to note that these structures are intended to show the topological pattern of bonds rather than the actual three-dimensional shape of a molecule. Additionally, electrons not involved in bonding are represented as dots and are referred to as lone pairs.12