You're a newly appointed scriptwriter for a prestigious production company. Your first task is to come up with a high-impact storyline for their upcoming drama series. You're feeling overwhelmed with the task, unsure of how to design a story that can captivate an international audience. Then, you remember the "Seven Basic Plots" concept introduced by Christopher Booker which could guide you through the story design process.
This concept suggests that every story ever told falls into one of seven basic plot structures: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Each of these plots represents a fundamental dynamic in the human psyche, making them relatable to diverse audiences.
Simplifies The Story Design Process: Using predefined plots as templates can lead to faster idea generation.
Enables Audience Connection: Since these plots echo universal human experiences, they foster a deeper connection with audiences.
Guides Character Development: Each plot requires certain character archetypes, offering a roadmap for character creation.
Framework for Conflict and Resolution: The plots provide a structure for conflict development and resolution - key components of a captivating story.
The Central Plot: Decide on the plot that will serve as the backbone to your series. Let's say you choose 'Overcoming the Monster' for a crime-thriller series.
Character Creation: Develop characters whose arcs align with the chosen plot. For 'Overcoming the Monster', you may design a rookie detective overcoming their fear to challenge a notorious criminal.
Conflict and Resolution: Plot the series of events that represent the unfolding drama, confrontations, and eventual resolution.
Understanding Booker's Seven Basic Plots concept can arm you with essential tools for creating compelling stories. Whether using one plot for a single project or blending them in various forms, these structures provide a foundation that leads to engaging narratives. Whether you're writing for a TV series, novel, or film, these plot structures can help you navigate the challenging process of story creation.