The Seven Basic PlotsOnline version Most stories use the 12-stage Hero's Journey to construct plot - but how does the story turn out? What happens to the characters in the end? There are SEVEN different ways that the story can unfold: these are the SEVEN BASIC PLOTS. Use this quiz to learn the definitions for each of these. by Miss Watson 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 Comedy The main character triumphs over a outrageous conflict, leading to a happy or cheerful ending. e.g. Mamma Mia: The Movie Overcoming the Monster A terrifying, all-threatening monster has been terrorising a community and is defeated by the hero. eg: Shrek The Quest The hero and some companions set out to acquire an important object or to get to a location, facing many obstacles and temptations along the way, ultimately achieving their goal. eg: The Lord of the Rings Rags to Riches The main character is poor and finds wealth, power or true love, loses it all and gains it back at the end. e.g. Cinderella Rebirth During the course of the story, an important event forces the main character to change their ways, often making them a better person. eg: Despicable Me Tragedy The main character has a fatal flaw or makes a great mistake that leads to their downfall (such as death). e.g. Thirteen Reasons Why Voyage and Return The hero goes to a strange land and, after overcoming the threats it poses to him or her, returns with nothing but experience. eg: Alice in Wonderland
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