The Seven Basic Stories
It is no secret that the heroes and villains of today’s books, films- even video games -are often based on story archetypes found in fairy tales, Victorian novels or Greek mythology. However these common ideas come into play innovatively through storytelling techniques which make them fresh each time they're told!
These common archetypes have guided storytelling for generations and can be seen as shaping cultures through time, especially with their repeated appearance throughout literature, art and filmic history!
#1 Overcoming The Monster
Overcoming the Monster might be the simplest of plots to understand, and the most often used. We see it time and time again from the Biblical epic of David and Goliath to Jaws to the modern-day fantasy of Harry Potter and everything in-between. Overcoming the monster is about Good vs evil in whatever form it takes.
#2 Rags To Riches
The rags-to-riches story is a classic underdog tale. The simple, relatable character receives something they lack (money, power, love) and must balance the duties that come along with it while trying not to lose who they are. They often lose everything again midway through the story only to learn their lessons and win it all back again at the end. A recent examples of this is the 2017 musical “The Greatest Showman”
#3 The Quest
The Quest is a well-known plot. It tells the story of our hero and friends going on an adventure to achieve something far away, all the while facing challenges and obstacles which must be overcome. Quest often focus on the growth of a Character find the grit and self belief they didn’t have in order to do something extra ordinary.
#4 Voyage and Return:
The "Voyage and Return" story centers around a protagonist who ventures into a strange or unfamiliar world, faces obstacles, and ultimately returns home transformed. This narrative archetype explores themes of discovery, adventure, and personal growth. Examples include Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, where the protagonists navigate magical realms before returning to their ordinary lives.
#5 Comedy:
Comedy, as a narrative genre, aims to entertain and amuse through humorous situations, misunderstandings, and incongruities. Comedic stories often involve mistaken identities, witty wordplay, and chaotic scenarios, providing lighthearted relief from the complexities of life. William Shakespeare's plays, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, and contemporary sitcoms like Friends exemplify the enduring popularity of comedic narratives.
# 6 Tragedy:
Tragedy is a narrative form that explores the downfall of a protagonist due to their tragic flaw, external circumstances, or a combination of both. These stories elicit powerful emotions and prompt reflection on the human condition. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the Greek tragedies of Oedipus and Medea are prime examples of this genre, where characters face their own undoing and evoke a sense of catharsis in the audience.
#7 Rebirth:
The "Rebirth" narrative centers around a character's transformation or redemption, often through a significant life event or a change in perspective. These stories highlight personal growth, second chances, and the capacity for change and forgiveness. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, where Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound transformation, exemplifies this archetype, along with tales of characters overcoming past mistakes to find redemption.
Conclusion:
While the diversity of stories is seemingly infinite, the theory of the seven basic stories provides a remarkable framework that reveals the interconnectedness of human narratives across time, culture, and genre. These archetypes tap into fundamental aspects of the human experience, offering insight, reflection, and entertainment. Whether we find ourselves rooting for the hero overcoming a monster, laughing at comedic mishaps, or shedding tears over a tragic downfall, stories continue to resonate deeply within us, reminding us of our shared humanity.