A method for specifying complex event processing (CEP) system rules. A rule construction interface is provided for constructing rules for a rule set of the complex event processing system, where the rules include definitions of one or more detected events and corresponding actions. In response to an identification of a new event or action during the rule construction process via the rule construction interface, a corresponding event or action logical construct is generated for representing the event or action in the complex event processing system. An intermediate logical construct is generated to provide a data connection for the event or action logical construct. The event or action logical construct is linked to a corresponding action or event logical construct via the intermediate logical construct so as to enable data flow between the objects.