The Trick To Writing Stories We Love
Stories come in different shapes and sizes. Think about a basic children’s story, like Cinderella – and then think about a more complex tale, like Crime and Punishment. They’re quite different and use story elements in unique ways.
Although stories vary, there is one thing they all have in common – the hero. The hero is what the audience invests in, identifies with and wants to follow.
In Christopher Booker’s book, The Seven Basic Plots, he identifies seven story types that all stories – across time and origins – trace back to. The story types are built on the hero, or rather, the hero’s journey.
The Seven Story Types
Overcoming the Monster – The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist's homeland (James Bond, Star Wars)
Rags to Riches – The poor protagonist acquires power, wealth, and/or a mate, loses it all and gains it back, growing as a person as a result (Cinderella, Aladdin)
The Quest – The protagonist and companions set out to acquire an important object or to get to a location. They face temptations and other obstacles along the way (Lord of the Rings, Raiders of the Lost Ark)
Voyage and Return – The protagonist goes to a strange land and, after overcoming the threats it poses or learning important lessons unique to that location, they return with experience (Peter Pan, Back to the Future)
Comedy – Light and humorous character with a happy or cheerful ending; a dramatic work in which the central motif is the triumph over adverse circumstance, resulting in a successful or happy conclusion (A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Bridget Jones’ Diary)
Tragedy – The protagonist is a hero with a major character flaw or great mistake which is ultimately their undoing. Their unfortunate end evokes pity at their folly and the fall of a fundamentally good character (Romeo and Juliet, Hamilton)
Rebirth – An event forces the main character to change their ways and often become a better individual (Beauty and the Beast, Groundhog Day)
As storytellers, it’s essential to understand story types and how to use them (more on this to come in a future blog). It’s to our advantage to get to know them, including their unique story elements, and write within their format.
Once learned, you’ll notice them everywhere. They’re applied in all different media – from advertisements to talks – and create a quick connection with the audience. This is something that will give you a leg up, saving you time and energy, and help you win over your audience, time and again.
Remember, keep it simple and respect what’s proven.
Conclusion
Stories vary, but they’re all connected by one main element – the hero. In Christopher Booker’s book, The Seven Basic Plots, he outlines the seven story types, which come from the hero’s journey. Learning story types will put you ahead as a storyteller, creating a fast connection with your audience, time and again.
Join me for my next blog where I talk about story elements.
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