The seven basic stories are typically identified as such: Overcoming a challenging monster or obstacle, achieving success from a humble start, going on a meaningful quest, having a journey with a return, creating comedic scenarios, experiencing tragic events, and undergoing a process of rebirth or renewal. Different scholars and critics might have slightly different takes on this, though.
One important element is the protagonist. In all the'seven basic stories', there's a central character that drives the story forward. For example, in the 'Voyage and Return' story, the traveler (the protagonist) is the one whose experiences during the voyage and return shape the entire story.
Well, one way is through character arcs. For example, in the 'Overcoming the Monster' basic story, the hero in modern lit can be facing a corporate giant as the'monster' instead of a literal beast. The plot structure remains similar - the hero starts as an underdog, faces challenges from the 'corporate monster', and finally overcomes it, perhaps by exposing its unethical practices.
The main reasons could be to entertain, to educate, to share experiences, to express emotions, to pass on knowledge, to build connections, and to inspire.
Well, the seven basic plots are essential because they give a sort of blueprint. They make it easier for us to understand and predict storylines, and they also offer familiar patterns that we find comforting and interesting.
The seven basic plots provide a framework that resonates with human experiences and emotions. They help us make sense of the world and connect with others through shared themes.
In 'Why We Tell Stories' from 2005, the seven basic plots might be something like the Hero's Journey, Love Conquers All, Coming of Age, Revenge, Mystery/Suspense, Redemption, and Transformation. However, different readers might interpret them differently.
We tell stories to entertain, educate, and connect with others. The seven basic plots are Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth.