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
![Jaws](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty5PY0YMCOM/SzswjJn0hAI/AAAAAAAAAPA/LgmrJ3gKE5o/S150/dbppxj73cmow3pjp.jpg)
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
![Aladdin](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty5PY0YMCOM/SxgJaKaOM1I/AAAAAAAAAIs/zJEm1W1wfEE/S240/Aladdin-movie-07.jpg)
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
![A Night in Casablanca](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty5PY0YMCOM/Sy_dNjr3KcI/AAAAAAAAAMU/qa9gUhSKycA/S240/desert.jpg)
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
![Indiana Jones](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty5PY0YMCOM/Sy_d9KEkbMI/AAAAAAAAAMc/OPZRC1pAkdM/S240/indiana-jones-crystal-skull.jpg)
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
![Beauty and the Beast](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty5PY0YMCOM/SzsvjBTY7_I/AAAAAAAAAOo/d_7-0dl4_hE/S1600-R/3-wallpapers-beauty-beast.jpg)
Rebirth