Seven Basic Plots

From another writing course the idea that there are just seven basic writing plots.

(Originally Christopher Booker – 2004 Bookfinder )

I am not clear how valuable it is knowing that there are seven basic plots. I imagine that you are trying to write something unique and new.

If you see “Award Winning Writer” in your future I cannot imagine you getting there by following a pre-prescribed route.

However it might be useful to see what has gone before – here are the seven basic plots.

Overcoming the Monster (e.g. The Hobbit, Cloverfield, Dracula, Harry Potter)

1. 1. Anticipation and call
   2. Dream stage – thinks overcoming will be easy
   3. Frustration – face to face with monster
   4. Nightmare stage – final ordeal
   5. The thrilling escape from death and death on monster

Rags to Riches (e.g. Jane Eyre, Great Expectations)

1. 1. Initial wretchedness at home and call
   2. get out into world – initial success
   3. The central crisis
   4. Independence and the final ordeal
   5. Final union, completion and fulfilment

The Quest (e.g. Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit)

1. 1. The call
   2. The journey (archetypal figures)
   3. Arrival and frustration
   4. Final ordeal and last battle
   5. The goal, treasure, prince/ess

Voyage and return (e.g. Sinbad, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, James and the Giant Peach)

1. 1. The fall into another world (ie. Alice in Wonderland)
   2. Initial fascination – dream stage
   3. Frustration stage – dark shadow figure
   4. Nightmare stage – its dominating looks like dark force will win
   5. Thrilling escape and return to normal world

Comedy (e.g. Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy, Witches Abroad)

1. 1. Shadow of uncertainty and confusion
   2. Confusion get worse – disguise men/women
   3. Confusion gets resolved and lives happily ever after

Tragedy (e.g. The Martian Chronicles)

1. 1. Anticipation stage
   2. Dream stage
   3. Frustration
   4. Nightmare
   5. Destruction

Rebirth (e.g. Jonathan Livingston Seagull)

1. 1. Hero is cursed by dark power
   2. Dream stage – talk of a curse
   3. Curse takes hold and imprisons the hero
   4. Nightmare stage – no way out, no hope until hero turns up and relies someone else to save the day
   5. Miraculous redemption

Author: Phil Maud

Keen on privacy and IT Security. A volunteer counsellor. I use blogging to improve my writing. View all posts by Phil Maud