The Seven Basic Plots: Universal Story Structures for Engaging Narratives

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What are the Seven Basic Plots?
• The Seven Basic Plots Explained
• Examples of the Seven Basic Plots
• Why Understanding the Seven Basic Plots is Important
• How to Incorporate the Seven Basic Plots into Your Own Writing
• Conclusion

Introduction

Stories are at the heart of human communication, and the way they are structured can make or break their impact. Whether you're writing a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure story or any other type of narrative, understanding the underlying structure of storytelling can help you create more engaging, memorable, and effective stories.

In this article, we will explore the concept of the Seven Basic Plots and how they can be used to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers. We will also provide examples of each of the Seven Basic Plots and explain why understanding them is important for any writer.

What are the Seven Basic Plots?

The concept of the Seven Basic Plots was first introduced by Christopher Booker in his book "The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories." According to Booker, there are seven fundamental story structures that underlie all narratives throughout history and across cultures. These seven basic plots are:

1. Overcoming the Monster
2. Rags to Riches
3. The Quest
4. Voyage and Return
5. Comedy
6. Tragedy
7. Rebirth

The Seven Basic Plots Explained

Let's take a closer look at each of the Seven Basic Plots and what they entail:

1. Overcoming the Monster

This plot involves a hero who must defeat a powerful antagonist or force in order to restore balance to their world. Examples of stories that use this plot include "Beowulf," "Jaws," and "Star Wars."

2. Rags to Riches

This plot involves a protagonist who rises from humble beginnings to achieve great success, often through hard work and perseverance. Examples of stories that use this plot include "Cinderella," "The Pursuit of Happyness," and "Forrest Gump."

3. The Quest

This plot involves a hero who sets out on a journey to accomplish a specific goal or to find something of great value. Examples of stories that use this plot include "The Lord of the Rings," "Indiana Jones," and "The Wizard of Oz."

4. Voyage and Return

This plot involves a protagonist who travels to a strange or unfamiliar world and then returns home, often with newfound knowledge or insight. Examples of stories that use this plot include "Alice in Wonderland," "The Chronicles of Narnia," and "The Odyssey."

5. Comedy

This plot involves a humorous and lighthearted story that often centers around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, or other comedic situations. Examples of stories that use this plot include "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Bridesmaids," and "The Hangover."

6. Tragedy

This plot involves a protagonist who experiences a downfall or tragedy as a result of their own actions or circumstances beyond their control. Examples of stories that use this plot include "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet."

Also read: The Three-Act Structure: A Timeless Framework for Storytelling

7. Rebirth

This plot involves a protagonist who undergoes a transformation or redemption, often after a period of struggle or hardship. Examples of stories that use this plot include "A Christmas Carol," "The Secret Garden," and "The Shawshank Redemption."

Examples of the Seven Basic Plots

Let's look at some examples of famous stories that use each of the Seven Basic Plots:

• Overcoming the Monster: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," "The Hunger Games," "Jaws"
• Rags to Riches: "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Slumdog Millionaire," "Rocky"
• The Quest: "The Lord of the Rings," "Indiana Jones," "The Hobbit"
• Voyage and Return: "Alice in Wonderland," "The Wizard of Oz," "The Chronicles of Narnia"
• Comedy: "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Bridesmaids," "The Hangover"
• Tragedy: "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," "Hamlet"
• Rebirth: "A Christmas Carol," "The Secret Garden," "The Shawshank Redemption"

Why Understanding the Seven Basic Plots is Important

While not every story fits neatly into one of the Seven Basic Plots, understanding these structures can be incredibly helpful for writers. Here are a few reasons why:

• It helps you identify what type of story you're telling. By understanding the basic plot structures, you can better identify the key elements of your story and determine what type of story you're telling.
• It helps you avoid clichés. When you understand the basic plots, you can avoid falling into predictable patterns and create more unique and original stories.
• It helps you connect with readers. Many readers are drawn to certain types of stories or plots, so by understanding the basic plots, you can tailor your story to your target audience.
• It helps you create a more engaging story. By using the basic plot structures as a guide, you can create a story with a clear structure and a strong narrative arc, which can make it more engaging and memorable to readers.

How to Incorporate the Seven Basic Plots into Your Own Writing

Now that you understand the Seven Basic Plots, you may be wondering how to incorporate them into your own writing. Here are a few tips:

• Choose the right plot for your story. Consider the key elements of your story, such as the protagonist's goals, conflicts, and motivations, and choose the plot that best fits those elements.
• Put your own spin on it. While the basic plots provide a helpful framework, you don't have to stick to them rigidly. Feel free to add your own unique twists and turns to make your story more original and interesting.
• Use the basic plots as a starting point. You don't have to use one of the Seven Basic Plots as the sole framework for your story. Instead, consider using them as a starting point and then building on that structure to create something that is entirely your own.

Conclusion

Understanding the Seven Basic Plots can be incredibly helpful for any writer looking to create engaging, memorable, and effective stories. While not every story fits neatly into one of these plots, they provide a useful framework that can help you identify key elements of your story and create a strong narrative arc that resonates with readers. By choosing the right plot for your story, putting your own spin on it, and using the basic plots as a starting point, you can create stories that are both original and compelling.