Plot and Fairy Tales

Yeh-Shen


Cinderella (Brother's Grimm)


Cinderella Poem


How do these texts compare and contrast? Consider Theme, Plot, Tone, Perspective, and Character Types.

Use the following Worksheet

Whether this is true or not, when we look at literature and movies we see that modern fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from traditional stories.



What if I told you there were only 7 kinds of plots in all of fiction? Some people believe every book you read or movie you see is a variation of one of seven universal themes.


The Seven Basic Plots are the basics of plot-writing.

  • Overcoming the Monster.
  • Rags to Riches.
  • The Quest.
  • Voyage and Return.
  • Comedy.
  • Tragedy.
  • Rebirth.

The Seven Basic Plots: Why we Tell Stories

Christopher Booker, 2004

7 Basic Plots