The Seven Basic Plots
These pages contain a summary of Christopher Booker's seminal work, The Seven Basic Plots, from Continuum Press, 2004.
The Magnificent Seven
Overcoming the Monster - as in Frankenstein, Jaws--the hero/heroine must overcome some mighty and malevolent power to reach his or her goal.
Jaws

Overcoming the Monster
Rags to Riches - as in Cinderella, Aladdin--the orphan protagonist emerges from a lowly state to a position of power/love
Aladdin

Rags to Riches
Comedy - as in A Night in Casablanca, The Marriage of Figaro--the resolution of some conflict, in which confusion (often of identities) gives way to clarification, and recognition, paving the way to reconciliation and celebration
A Night in Casablanca

Comedy
The Quest - as in Moby Dick, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones--there is some priceless treasure worth any effort to achieve
Indiana Jones

Quest
Rebirth - as in A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast--where the protagonist suddenly finds a new reason for living
Beauty and the Beast

Rebirth