Now, please don't see the word basic and think that these plots are lesser or that there is something negative about using one. No. They are, quite simply, the set of plots that almost all stories fall under. Each one fits into the basic plotline and three-act structure with some planning (outlining is your friend).
To start with, it is generally accepted that there are 7 basic, general plots that all stories fall into. Well, nearly all.
Seven Basic Plots
(1) Overcoming the Monster. The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or the protagonist's homeland.
Examples: Beowulf, James Bond, Star Wars
(2) Rags to Riches. The poor protagonist acquires power, wealth, and/or a mate. They lose it all and gain it back, growing as a person as a result.
Examples: Cinderella, Aladdin, Great Expectations, The Emperor's New Groove, Harry Potter, My Fair Lady
(3) The Quest. The protagonist and companions set out to acquire an important object or to get to a location. They face temptations and other obstacles along the way.
Examples: The Odyssey, Lord of the Rings, Raiders of the Lost Arc
(4) Voyage and Return. The protagonist goes to a strange land, overcome the threats posed to them there, and return with experience (and possibly treasure).
Examples: Alice in Wonderland, The Hobbit, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Wizard of Oz
(5) Comedy. A dramatic work in which the central motif is the triumph over adverse circumstance, resulting in a successful or happy conclusion. It refers to a pattern where the conflict becomes more and more confusing but is at last made plain in a single, clarifying event. It contains a light and humorous character with a happy or cheerful ending.
Examples: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mama Mia
(6) Tragedy. The protagonist's character flaw or great mistake is their undoing. Their unfortunate end evokes pity at their folly and the fall of a fundamentally good character.
Examples: Macbeth, Julius Caesar, The Godfather
(7) Rebirth. An event forces the main character to change their ways and often become a better person.
Examples: Beauty and the Beast, Avatar, A Christmas Carol
20 Master Plots
That being said, not everyone likes the idea of having so few options. While one man said there were 7, another man said there were 20. Several overlap, but there are distinctions. In my opinion, most of these serve as templates for subplots.
(1) Quest. The hero searches for something, someone, or somewhere. In reality, they may be searching for themselves, with the outer journey mirrored internally. They may be joined by a companion, who takes care of minor detail and whose limitations contrast with the hero's greater qualities.
(2) Adventure. The protagonist goes on an adventure, much like a quest, but with less of a focus on the end goal or the personal development of the hero. In the adventure, there is more action for action's sake.
(3) Pursuit. The focus is on the chase, with one person chasing another (and perhaps with multiple and alternating chases). The pursued person may be often cornered and somehow escape so that the pursuit can continue. Depending on the story, the pursued person may be caught or may escape.
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Writing Tips & Guidance
RandomAs a strange god once said, writing is hard. It feels like there are near limitless aspects to consider during the writing process. With any luck, you should find answers to questions and learn new things in this collection of discussions. Feel free...
