Mastering Storytelling: The 7 Fundamental Plots to Inspire Your Tales
Using and building upon classic plots for your family storytelling adventures is covered more fully in our book, Creating Stories Worth Telling Your Kids
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Have you ever noticed that so many stories seem to follow familiar patterns? The hero sets out on a grand adventure, a character faces a monstrous challenge, or someone rises from humble beginnings to great success. These recurring story structures exist for a reason… they resonate deeply with us.
At The Legendary Connection, we believe understanding these seven fundamental story plots can spark creativity and help you craft meaningful tales for the children you love. Below, we explore these classic plots with examples from folklore, literature, and film to help inspire your next storytelling session. For more information about where these plot categorizations originated, refer to the resources list at the end of this post.
1. The Quest
A character embarks on a journey to find something important. This could be a person, a place, an object, or even wisdom. Along the way, they encounter challenges and grow through their experiences.
Examples:
Jason and the Argonauts (mythology)
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (classic novel)
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (modern book)
Monty Python’s The Holy Grail (film)
For kids: This plot works well for stories about searching for a lost toy, discovering a hidden treasure, or completing a special mission.
2. Overcoming the Monster
The hero faces an overwhelming threat, whether it’s a villain, a natural disaster, or a deep-seated fear. Victory brings peace or safety.
Examples:
Jack and the Beanstalk (folktale)
Theseus and the Minotaur (mythology)
Noah’s Ark (religious story)
Twister (film)
For kids: The "monster" doesn’t have to be literal. It could be a big problem to solve, a storm to endure, or a challenge to face at school.
3. Voyage and Return
A character is thrust into a new and unfamiliar world, learns to adapt, and returns home transformed by the experience.
Examples:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (classic novel)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (classic novel)
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (play)
Lewis and Clark’s Expedition (historical story)
For kids: Think of simple adventures, like a trip to the park, a family vacation, or a day at school that changes the way they see the world.
4. Rags to Riches
A character starts with little, gains something valuable (wealth, power, or love), faces a challenge, and ultimately earns success.
Examples:
Cinderella (folktale)
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (classic novel)
Aladdin (folktale)
Shrek (film)
For kids: This plot can reflect small victories such as winning a game, learning a skill, or earning a special privilege.
5. Rise and Fall
A character experiences change, facing challenges that either lead to triumph or struggle.
Examples:
Beauty and the Beast (folktale)
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (classic novel)
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (modern book series)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (classic novel)
For kids: This plot can illustrate personal growth, showing how kindness, patience, or perseverance leads to change.
6. Emergence
A hero faces adversity, navigates difficulties, and ultimately succeeds through wit, courage, or resilience.
Examples:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (folktale)
Stone Soup (folktale)
Disney’s Hercules (film)
A Man Called Otto (film)
For kids: Use this plot for stories about solving problems, teamwork, or learning something new.
7. Descent
A character makes poor choices, leading to their downfall. These cautionary tales often teach important life lessons.
Examples:
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (classic novel)
La Llorona (folktale)
The Story of Sisyphus (mythology)
Coyote and Trickster Tales (various traditions)
For kids: Use this plot to explore cause and effect. What happens when someone doesn’t share, tells a lie, or ignores a warning?
Final Thoughts
Stories have been passed down through generations, and these seven fundamental plots help us understand what makes a tale captivating. Whether you’re crafting bedtime stories, retelling family legends, or making up your own playful adventures, using these classic structures can make storytelling easier and more engaging.
So, which of these plots will inspire your next story? Let your imagination guide you!
Crawford, Ramona. “Research Guides: Library Research Guide for Folklore and Mythology: Tale-Type and Motif Indices.” Guides.library.harvard.edu, 29 Jan. 2024, guides.library.harvard.edu/folk_and_myth/indices. How to read the ATU index and where to find it.
Foster-Harris. The Basic Patterns of Plot. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1959
Tobias, Ronald B. 20 Master Plots. Cincinnati: Writer’s Digest Books, 1993
Booker, Christopher. The Seven Basic Plots. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2005
Kinsler, Jared. “What Kurt Vonnegut’s Shape of Stories Lecture Can Teach Us about Writing Music.” Medium, 6 Mar. 2018, medium.com/sound-advice/what-kurt-vonneguts-shape-of-stories-lecture-can-teach-us-about-writing-music-2f02e58726ec.
