--- 
title: seven basic plots
author: david marsh 
date: 2023-05-03 
keywords: [writting, rpg, modules]
abstract: Try using the 'seven basic plots' as a handy jumping off point for RPG stories. Obviously you'd need to take into account the tone of the game your playing.
---

It is said there are only [seven basic plots] (*text from wikipedia*):

1. **Overcoming the monster:** The protagonist sets out to defeat an
antagonistic force (often evil) that threatens the protagonist and/or
protagonist's homeland.
2. **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.
3. **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.
4. **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, returns with experience.
5. **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.
6. **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.
7. **Rebirth:** An event forces the main character to change their ways and
often become a better individual.


[seven basic plots]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots