What are the seven basic plots in literature?

I've asked this before, but I never got a clear answer, so I'm trying again.

All my life I've heard that there are only seven basic plots in storytelling; only seven basic plots that every story falls into. I was wondering if this was true, and if so, what are they? Also, could I get some examples of each plot point, maybe a book or story that falls under each one.

And for clarification, I'm not talking about genres, I'm talking about the basic plots, the essence that the story boils down to. I say this because the last time I asked this someone gave me a list of genres.

Thanks a lot, I love to expand my knowledge of literature.

Glissade2010-05-06T14:48:10Z

Favorite Answer

Man v. Nature
Man v. Man
Man v. Environment
Man v. Technology
Man v. Supernatural
Man v. God
Man v. Self

(Of course, man can also be "woman")

?2010-05-06T22:12:28Z

The Seven Basic Plots, according to The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker, are:

- "Overcoming the Monster" - Basically any protagonist vs. another character/thing (this includes nature, gods, and even some inner monsters) where the protagonist wins.
- "Rags to Riches" - Cinderella story
- "The Quest" - Show me a fantasy, sci-fi, or adventure novel that is not searching for a macguffin.
- "Voyage & Return" - Odessey and Alice in Wonderland [old school version] are classic examples.
- "Comedy [of Errors]" - Well, Shakspeare's Comedy of Errors, or basically any romance or idiot plot in which those invovled just can't spit out the truth.
- "Tragedy" - The main character's downfall.
- "Rebirth/Redemption" - The redemption of the main character who's falling to the dark side.

agilebrit2010-05-06T21:57:33Z

I can think of four:

Man vs Man
Man vs Nature
Man vs Himself
Man vs God

"Man" meaning "protagonist," basically. I can't think of anything I've ever read that doesn't fall into one of those categories, when broken down to its most fundamental basics.

Anonymous2010-05-06T21:48:33Z

Romance-y
Action-y
Mystery-y
Horror-y
Fantasy-y
Erotica-y
Kids-y

David2010-05-06T21:44:37Z

lanaguge,violence, nudity(only three)