Narrative Structure: How to Write Seven Basic Plots - Oxbridge Editing

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication, deeply ingrained in human culture and psychology. While narratives may seem limitless, many believe there are only seven basic stories that underpin almost every tale. Understanding these 7 story plots can help you craft compelling narratives, whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or even a marketing campaign. In this post, we’ll explore the narrative story structure of the seven storylines, their characteristics, and how you can use them to create unforgettable stories.

The Importance of Narrative Structure

Before delving into the seven basic stories, it’s important to understand the role of narrative story structure. Structure provides the framework for your story, helping to organise events, character development, and themes in a way that resonates with readers. A well-structured narrative ensures your story is engaging, coherent, and emotionally impactful.

Christopher Booker, in his book The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, argues that all stories fall into seven archetypal categories. These categories are not rigid formulas but serve as flexible templates that can guide your storytelling.

The Seven Storylines

Let’s explore the 7 basic story plots and their defining elements:

1. Overcoming the Monster

This plot revolves around a hero facing a formidable antagonist or challenge. The protagonist must confront and defeat this threat, often to save others or achieve a greater goal.

• Key Elements:
  • A seemingly insurmountable challenge.
  • A clear antagonist (monster, villain, or crisis).
  • A triumphant climax where the hero emerges victorious.
• Examples:
  • Beowulf: The hero defeats the monstrous Grendel.
  • Jaws: The shark is the ‘monster’ threatening a community.

Why It Works: This plot taps into our primal fears and the satisfaction of seeing good triumph over evil.

2. Rags to Riches

In this plot, the protagonist starts in a lowly position, facing adversity and struggles before rising to success, wealth, or happiness.

• Key Elements:
  • A humble or disadvantaged protagonist.
  • Growth through perseverance or discovery of hidden talents.
  • A ‘happy ending’ where the protagonist achieves their goal.
• Examples:
  • Cinderella: From servitude to royalty.
  • Harry Potter: A boy who rises from neglect to become a hero.

Why It Works: This storyline resonates with the universal dream of transformation and success.

3. The Quest

In a quest narrative, the protagonist embarks on a journey to achieve a specific goal, often accompanied by allies. The journey is fraught with obstacles and challenges that test their resolve.

• Key Elements:
  • A clear objective (e.g., finding a treasure, saving someone).
  • A journey that symbolises personal growth.
  • A return home, often transformed by the experience.
• Examples:
  • The Lord of the Rings: Frodo’s journey to destroy the One Ring.
  • The Odyssey: Odysseus’s long journey home.

Why It Works: It mirrors the human desire for adventure and the pursuit of meaning.

4. Voyage and Return

This plot follows a protagonist who ventures into an unfamiliar world, faces challenges, and returns home with new wisdom or perspective.

• Key Elements:
  • A journey to an extraordinary or unknown place.
  • Encounters with the unfamiliar or dangerous.
  • A safe return home, often changed by the experience.
• Examples:
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Alice explores a surreal world and returns to reality.
  • The Chronicles of Narnia: Children venture into a magical land and return home.

Why It Works: It captures the allure of exploration and the growth that comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

5. Comedy

The comedy plot isn’t limited to humour; it focuses on overcoming misunderstandings, conflicts, or obstacles to achieve a happy resolution, often involving romance.

• Key Elements:
  • Characters face amusing or challenging situations.
  • Misunderstandings create tension or conflict.
  • A resolution that restores harmony and joy.
• Examples:
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A series of misunderstandings in love resolves happily.
  • Bridget Jones’s Diary: Romantic mishaps lead to self-discovery and love.

Why It Works: Comedy offers escapism and the reassurance of a happy ending.

6. Tragedy

In a tragedy, the protagonist’s flaws or mistakes lead to their downfall. Unlike other plots, tragedy often ends in loss or failure, evoking emotions like pity and fear.

• Key Elements:
  • A flawed or ambitious protagonist.
  • A series of poor decisions or circumstances leading to their demise.
  • A cathartic resolution, often with a moral lesson.
• Examples:
  • Macbeth: Ambition leads to destruction.
  • Romeo and Juliet: A love story marred by tragedy.

Why It Works: Tragedies explore the complexity of human nature and the consequences of choices.

7. Rebirth

The rebirth plot focuses on renewal and redemption. The protagonist undergoes a significant transformation, often overcoming a dark period in their life.

• Key Elements:
  • A period of struggle or darkness.
  • A transformative event or realisation.
  • A renewed sense of purpose or happiness.
• Examples:
  • A Christmas Carol: Scrooge’s transformation from miser to benefactor.
  • Beauty and the Beast: Redemption through love and understanding.

Why It Works: It offers hope and the reassurance that change is possible.

Using the Seven Basic Plots in Your Writing

Now that you know the types of storylines, how do you integrate them into your writing?

1. Choose a Core Plot

Select a plot that aligns with the message or emotion you want to convey. For example, if you’re crafting an adventure novel, a “Quest” or “Voyage and Return” plot might work best.

2. Add Complexity

While the seven storylines provide a foundation, your story doesn’t need to stick to just one. Many successful narratives blend multiple plots to create depth and intrigue.

3. Focus on Character Development

Every plot benefits from well-rounded characters. Readers connect with characters who grow, struggle, and triumph (or fail) in relatable ways.

4. Incorporate Conflict

Conflict is the driving force of any narrative. It keeps readers engaged and gives your protagonist a reason to grow.

5. Experiment with Structure

While traditional structures like the three-act format work well, don’t be afraid to experiment with non-linear storytelling or unconventional frameworks.

Why Understanding Narrative Structure Matters

Mastering narrative story structure isn’t just for novelists. Screenwriters, marketers, and even educators benefit from crafting engaging stories. By understanding the 7 basic story plots, you can:

• Create stories that resonate on a universal level.
• Develop narratives that feel familiar yet original.
• Build emotional connections with your audience.

Whether you’re writing fiction or creating a brand story, the timeless appeal of these plots ensures your message leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion

The seven basic stories offer a versatile framework for storytelling, helping writers craft narratives that captivate and inspire. By understanding these 7 story plots, you can structure your story effectively, engage your audience, and bring your creative vision to life.

If you’re working on a manuscript and need a fresh perspective, our book proofreading and editing services are here to help. We specialise in refining your narrative, ensuring your story flows seamlessly and resonates with readers. Whether you’re a debut author or an experienced writer, we’ll help you bring your story to its full potential before publication. Fill out the form to get a bespoke quote!