Feb 28 2009
Looking for a Plot? Read Some Fairy Tales.
Experts say there are only 20 or so master plots – that every story in the world is simply a variation of one of these plots.
I’m not sure that’s right in every case. I’ve read some fairly bizarre stories that seem to be wholly unique. But the principle is true. I think it would be safe to say that most stories derive from one or more of the age-old master plots. The fact is, certain stories show up again and again over the millennia and were around long before mankind ever wrote a word.
If you’re looking for a story to write, you’ll find a treasure trove of plot lines in those weird little stories you heard growing up: fairy tales. Thumb through The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
One last note: Fairy tales can be downright terrifying. I’m surprised some of them haven’t been labeled “For Adults Only” – especially the ones about mothers selling their children to wicked witches, parents trying to lose their children in the forest because they don’t have enough food to share with them, little girls being accosted by dirty old wolves … and that’s just scratching the surface.
In short, fairy tales are not for pansies.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts again. I have been a fan of fairy tales all my life.
Good triumphs over evil and there is always a happy ending for the good guys!
Aha, caught you. Interesting concept on the plots. No doubt 99% true. I love fairy tales as well and also agree most are dowright scary. Since I write humor and from my own life, “Once Upon A Time”, feels pretty much the correct path. I think I have experienced the wicked step-mother-in-law, evil sisters, trolls that live next door and many other of the plots mentioned. Alas I think I need to search the ” Dark and Stormy Night” classics for plots for some of my tales. Good to hear from you.Thanks for the interesting idea on where to begin.
I’ve been reading your website for awhile now and just want to comment that I think it is wonderfully desined and written. Thank you for your ideas, insights and inspirations. Maybe I will participate in next week’s Word Shot exercise!
Yes, I misspelled “design” in my previous comment. Sorry! I’m typing while feeding my baby at the same time!
“I’m surprised some of them haven’t been labeled For Adults Only”
Agreed. For my extension English class we were analysing the sexual content of Little Red Riding Hood and I was shocked by how much of that content was actually present in these so called “children’s tales”.
I love your blog btw. It’s one of the very few blogs that I continually return to. Keep up the good work!
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I love telling my students about what really happened to the stepmother and stepsisters at the end of the tale in real version of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. It always gets a surprised response and most of them want to the read this version. I too have heard that about master plots, but would also agree that some writers have a wonderful ability to turn their plots into something that truly amazes, which I guess is why I continue to read.