The 7 Basic Plots

The 7 Basic Plots are fundamental story structures that recur across many narratives. They include: **Overcoming the Monster** (a hero faces and defeats a threat), **Rags to Riches** (a character rises from hardship to success), **The Quest** (searching for something important), **Voyage and Return** (adventure abroad with eventual homecoming), **Comedy** (humor leading to a happy ending), **Tragedy** (a downfall due to flaw or fate), and **Rebirth** (transformation through renewal). These frameworks help us understand common storytelling patterns, providing clarity on how stories engage and satisfy audiences.