Seven Plots
There are seven main plots that all media products, whether a book, video game or film, conform to throughout all genres.
1. Overcoming the Monster
The Legend of Zelda video game follows the first of the seven plot by reflecting the idea of a central protagonist (Link) sets off on an adventure to defeat an ever growing presence of evil (Ganon, The Prince of Darkness) in a land that could be his own or not and, after defeating the evil with the help of special weapons given to him personally, frees the people of land and reaps the rewards. Another example of Overcoming the Monster is the popular multi-million franchise Harry Potter, following the character through several books/films on his adventure to rid the magical world of Lord Voldemort and dark magic with the help of his wand and companions. The classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood also conforms to aspects of the plot through the protagonist defeating the wolf that had been terrorising the forest and attempted to murder her grandma.
2. Rags to Riches
The second main story plot focuses on a turn around from an impoverished background to a fairy tale ending of happily ever after. A key feature to this story plot is a false ending where after the protagonist gains their happiness they lose it, only to acquire it again towards the end of the story. This story arc is featured in a majority of fairy tales such as Aladdin and Cinderella, Aladdin loses the lamp and his love interest, Cinderella loses her prince) however it can also be found in heartfelt movies such as Slumdog millionaire the false ending being when he's accused of cheating and nearly loses his money.
3. The Quest
The Quest is a common movie plot in a majority of books, including Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter but also in video games such as Super Mario Bros all of which follow the narrative of a main protagonist (Frodo, Harry Potter or Mario) along with a companion (Sam, Ron or several characters in Mario's case) searching for an object or a piece of information.
4. Voyage and Return
Voyage and Return focuses on the protagonist goes on an adventure to an alternate world where normal laws don't apply, the hero of the story is faced with trials and endeavours that rely on intuition rather than logic. Normally alliances are made in these foreign places, often having to be left behind when the hero returns to their normal world as a more matured person. Examples of media products that follow this storyline are; Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan.
5. Comedy
Comedy plots generally follow the storyline of multiple characters engaging with each other and a degree of miscommunication happening resulting in a comical scenario. A majority of the time the ending of the film is prevented by the antagonist who towards the end is, generally, never defeated and often has a redemption arc where they admit their wrongdoings and willingly join the party of heroes. This plot is seen in the likes of Bridesmaids, Spongebob The Movie and Mr Bean.
6. Tragedy
Examples of products that follow this plot are; Bonnie and Clyde, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. All these movies follow the tale of a ruthless villain who, after terrorising and destroying cities, seeks redemption. A majority of the time the audiences feels sympathy towards the antagonist due to a tragic backstory and their attempts at redeeming themselves, sometimes they reap the repercussions of their previous actions and don't get a chance to become good which the audience sometimes deems as suitable.
7. Rebirth
Like the Tragedy plot, Rebirth follows the story of a villain who is engulfed in a shadow of evil however, unlike with a tragedy, the antagonist of the storyline can get saved by a redeeming figure who reawakens the villains sense of compassion and helps guide them to a better life. Examples of this plot can be found in media texts such as Maleficent, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Beauty and the Beast.
4. Voyage and Return
Voyage and Return focuses on the protagonist goes on an adventure to an alternate world where normal laws don't apply, the hero of the story is faced with trials and endeavours that rely on intuition rather than logic. Normally alliances are made in these foreign places, often having to be left behind when the hero returns to their normal world as a more matured person. Examples of media products that follow this storyline are; Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan.
5. Comedy
Comedy plots generally follow the storyline of multiple characters engaging with each other and a degree of miscommunication happening resulting in a comical scenario. A majority of the time the ending of the film is prevented by the antagonist who towards the end is, generally, never defeated and often has a redemption arc where they admit their wrongdoings and willingly join the party of heroes. This plot is seen in the likes of Bridesmaids, Spongebob The Movie and Mr Bean.
6. Tragedy
Examples of products that follow this plot are; Bonnie and Clyde, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. All these movies follow the tale of a ruthless villain who, after terrorising and destroying cities, seeks redemption. A majority of the time the audiences feels sympathy towards the antagonist due to a tragic backstory and their attempts at redeeming themselves, sometimes they reap the repercussions of their previous actions and don't get a chance to become good which the audience sometimes deems as suitable.
7. Rebirth
Like the Tragedy plot, Rebirth follows the story of a villain who is engulfed in a shadow of evil however, unlike with a tragedy, the antagonist of the storyline can get saved by a redeeming figure who reawakens the villains sense of compassion and helps guide them to a better life. Examples of this plot can be found in media texts such as Maleficent, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Beauty and the Beast.
No comments:
Post a Comment