“I have an Enemies to Lovers –
Romance with myself”
If you’re looking for inspiration for your plot or a summary of the most common stories’ plot points, you’re in the right place.
ARTICLE
What Plot Archetypes are
Plot archetypes are the story templates that we come across over and over again. The characters and the setting are different, but the basic plot is the same every time. Plot Archetypes (1) are things like the “Enemies to Lovers”- story template. They are not things like the Hero’s Journey, which in this sense is a plot structure.
There are docents, probably hundreds of these plot archetypes. Below is a list of some of the most well-known and reoccurring archetypes sorted by the 12 plot archetypes originally proposed by Christopher Booker in his book “The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories”.
Overcoming the Monster: A hero must defeat a monster that threatens their world.
An increasing number of people start acting strange and slowly the protagonist investigating it realizes that they have been taken over by some invading force and are planning to eliminate humanity altogether.
Plot Points:
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A seemingly normal or overly idyllic community or environment is established
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Strange, inexplicable, or unsettling events begin to occur, indicating that something is wrong
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The protagonist gradually becomes aware that the community or environment has been infiltrated or replaced by an alien, parasitic, or otherwise malevolent force
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The protagonist struggles to survive or resist the influence of the invading force, often at great personal cost
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The protagonist either finds other survivors to team up with or finds themself isolated and alone in their fight
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The protagonist either successfully repels the invasion at great cost to themselves or they get taken over and become assimilated into the new world order
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Often there is an ambiguous ending as to the fate of the protagonist or what happens next to the world
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Story Examples:
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers
- Parasyte the Maxime
- The Thing
A virus or the like that infects someone and causes them to turn into a zombie and from patient X it spreads into a full global plague that almost eradicates humanity as some survivors struggle to stay alive.
Plot Points:
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- Patient X becomes infected with a mysterious new virus that turns them into a zombie
- They end up infecting a couple more people, causing the infection to start spreading
- The initial confusion and misbelief causes the infection to continue spreading until a turning point
- Now the spread has become so widespread that it becomes explosive and causes panic
- Society starts falling apart while survivors are left to themselves
- Survivors start to form into new groups that help each other’s survival
- Survivors learn to live in this new world and fight off the zombies
- Those survivor groups start reestablishing new homes while competing with other survivor groups
- Other groups are either destroyed or groups join forces, regrowing the society
- A new kind of society, usually far less advanced and lower in numbers overall has been build
Story Examples:
- World War Z (Book)
- Walking Dead
- Kingdom
A seemingly normal person who learns they are special and meant to accomplish an important mission.
Plot Points:
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- They are normal or below average in their lives
- They learn they are actually special (unique power, unknown heritage, etc.)
- This makes them the only person who can achive a certain mission
- Due to this they become hunted by an enemy who is threatened if they accomplish this mission
- They learn to make use of their specialness and get started on the mission
- They lose something and have to face their own darkness
- They overcome the darkness and defeat the enemy, accomplishing the mission, and saving everyone / Or they fail to overcome that darkness and instead join or become the enemy themselves
Story Examples:
- Hercules
- Harry Potter
- Star Wars
ARCHETYPES
Rags to Riches: A character rises from poverty or obscurity to wealth or power.
Quest: A character must search for a valuable object or piece of knowledge.
A gladiator-esque death match with participants that are mostly unwilling and only one (sometimes more) survivor at the end.
Plot Points:
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- A deeply flawed society with a protagonist either at the bottom or falling through the cracks
- An inciting incident that makes them unwilling participants in the game (even if they chose to sign up it isn’t really a choice)
- A first deadly round that establishes that this is deadly
- First alliances are build
- As the games get tougher alliances fall apart and betrayal happens
- At the same time new alliances the protagonist has made turn into deep trust and through this loyalty and teamwork, the protagonist makes it to the final round
- Protagonist beats the final round and finds themselves released back into their society, now seemingly on top but knowing the full horror of their world ending suggests that they will try to break society next / or they are left seemingly on top but still left to societies force
Story Examples:
- Battle Royal
- Alice in Borderland
- Hunger Games
- Squid Game
- The Circle (Netflix Movie)
Voyage and Return: A hero goes on a journey to a strange land, faces challenges, and returns home transformed.
A protagonist who doesn’t see what they have ends up lost in a world they didn’t even know existed and in having to find their way back home they also find that appreciation for what they had all along and therefore change for the better.
Plot Points:
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- The protagonist discovers a way to access a different world or realm, often by accident or through a hidden portal.
- Once in the new world, the protagonist encounters strange and fantastical creatures, environments, and challenges.
- The protagonist must navigate this new world and find a way to return home, often encountering obstacles and enemies along the way.
- The journey back home often involves a quest or mission that the protagonist must complete in order to obtain the means to return home.
- The protagonist may be aided by allies they meet in the new world, but must also be cautious of deception and betrayal.
- Eventually, the protagonist discovers a way to return home, often through a final battle or confrontation with the antagonist.
- The protagonist returns home changed by their experiences, with a new appreciation for life and the world around them.
Story Examples:
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Alice in Borderland
- Spirited Away
Comedy: A lighthearted and humorous story, often involving romantic relationships or mistaken identities.
Tragedy: A story in which the hero is brought down by their own flaws or circumstances.
Rebirth: A character experiences a transformation or change of heart.
Mystery: Characters must solve a puzzle or unravel a mystery.
Rebellion Against 'The One': A character rebels against a tyrannical authority.
Journey: A character goes on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Love Story: Characters fall in love and face challenges in their relationship.
Two opposites who start out as adversaries but still have strong chemistry end up falling in love.
Plot Points:
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- They are opposites and their first meeting ends with mutual dislike
- Circumstances force them to interact anyway, which leads to snide remarks from both sides.
- Despite this, being forced to interact makes them slowly realize that they actually have a lot in common
- Some outside event forces them to work together/help each other out
- Which leads to them finally admitting their feelings for each other and getting together
Story Examples:
- Pride and Prejudice
- Bridgerton Season 2
Two lovers fall in love fast and intensely but circumstances keep them apart and it ends tragically.
Plot Points:
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- They are opposite and wouldn’t have met without their love story
- They are each other’s saviors, guiding them onto the right path
- They are kept apart by society or circumstances
- The relationship is high in passion especially because they know they have to steal their moments
- If one lover survives they are forever changed by the love (better to have loved and lost than never to have loved)
- There is no happy ending
Story Examples:
- Romeo and Juliette
- Brokeback Mountain
- Westside Story
- Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Titanic
There are three characters involved in a romantic relationship, often with one character torn between two love interests.
Plot Points:
- The protagonist is torn between two love interests with conflicting personalities or values.
- The love interests may be friends, enemies, or strangers.
- The protagonist must choose between the two love interests, leading to jealousy and hurt feelings.
- One love interest may try to sabotage the relationship between the protagonist and the other love interest.
- The protagonist ultimately makes a choice and pursues a relationship with one of the love interests.
Story Examples:
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
The characters have a history or a previous romantic relationship that ended, and they are given a second chance to rekindle their love.
Plot Points:
- The characters have a history or a previous romantic relationship that ended due to some conflict or misunderstanding.
- The characters are reunited after a period of time, either by chance or by design.
- The characters must confront the issues that led to their previous breakup.
- The characters work through their issues and rediscover their love for each other.
- The characters pursue a new relationship and overcome any obstacles that come their way.
Story Examples:
- The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
- The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
- The Holiday by Nancy Meyers
The characters have contrasting personalities, backgrounds, or values, and are initially drawn to each other despite their differences.
Plot Points:
- The characters have very different personalities, backgrounds, or values.
- The characters may start out disliking each other due to their differences.
- Over time, the characters realize that their differences complement each other.
- The characters fall in love and pursue a relationship, despite the challenges their differences may present.
- The characters work through their differences and learn to appreciate each other’s unique qualities.
Story Examples:
- Pretty Woman
- 10 Things I Hate About You
The characters start out as friends and gradually develop romantic feelings for each other.
Plot Points:
- The characters start out as platonic friends.
- Over time, one or both characters begin to develop romantic feelings for the other.
- The characters are hesitant to confess their feelings, fearing it may ruin the friendship.
- The characters finally reveal their feelings for each other and pursue a romantic relationship.
- The characters navigate the challenges that come with transitioning from friends to romantic partners.
Story Examples:
- When Harry Met Sally… by Nora Ephron
- Friends (Chandler and Monica)
The romantic relationship involves characters from different social or economic classes, and the challenges they face due to their differences.
Plot Points:
- Characters from different social or economic classes meet and develop feelings for each other
- Characters struggle with social and cultural norms that prevent them from being together
- Characters navigate differences in lifestyles and expectations
- Conflict arises from disapproval or disinheritance from one or both characters’ families
- Characters must overcome class differences to be together
Story Examples:
- The Notebook
- Crazy Rich Asians
The romantic relationship develops between characters who work together, and the challenges they face due to their professional roles.
Plot Points:
- Characters meet and work together in a professional setting
- Characters are often initially indifferent or hostile to each other
- As they work together, they begin to see each other in a new light
- Conflict arises from concerns about professional conduct or ethics
- Characters must navigate their professional roles and their feelings for each other
Story Examples:
- Grey’s Anatomy (Derek and Meredith)
The romantic relationship involves teenage or young adult characters who are experiencing love for the first time.
Plot Points:
- Characters meet and fall in love at a young age
- Characters must navigate social and parental expectations and restrictions
- Characters face challenges such as jealousy and peer pressure
- Conflict arises from misunderstandings or lack of communication
- Characters must grow and change as they learn about love and relationships
Story Examples:
- The Fault in Our Stars
- The Spectacular Now
The characters are in a romantic relationship despite being physically separated by distance, and the challenges they face due to the distance.
Plot Points:
- Characters meet and fall in love, but must be physically separated due to circumstances such as work, school, or military service
- Characters struggle with communication and staying connected over distance
- Conflict arises from missed opportunities or misunderstandings due to distance
- Characters must navigate their own lives and goals while maintaining their relationship
Story Examples:
- The Lake House
- Dear John
One character has romantic feelings for another who does not reciprocate those feelings.
Plot Points:
- One character falls in love with another who does not feel the same way
- Characters struggle with their own emotions and desires
- Conflict arises from misunderstandings or differences in feelings
- Characters must learn to accept rejection and move on, or find a way to make their feelings known and overcome obstacles
Story Examples:
- The Great Gatsby
- The Graduate
The romantic relationship develops in the midst of a crisis or difficult situation, such as a war or natural disaster.
Plot Points:
- Characters meet and fall in love in the midst of a crisis or difficult situation
- Characters must navigate danger and uncertainty together
- Conflict arises from external challenges and obstacles
- Characters must learn to rely on each other and work together to overcome adversity
Story Examples:
- The English Patient
- Titanic
Transformation: A character experiences a profound change or transformation
A protagonist who has a burning passion for a sport and who undergoes training and transformation to become the very best at it.
Plot Points:
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- Introduction of the protagonist: The story usually starts with the introduction of the main character, who is usually a teenager with a passion for a particular sport.
- Given a chance: The inciting incident often comes in the form of either a mentor showing up or the protagonists raw talent/enthusiasm being spotted and getting them a place on a (professional) team.
- Introduction of the protagonist: The story usually starts with the introduction of the main character, who is usually a teenager with a passion for a particular sport.
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- Struggle and hardship: The protagonist usually quickly learns that they are far behind the rest of the team who isn’t that thrilled to have a rookie to train up. Some of the other teammates might be dismissive or vicious in their distain.
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Training and preparation: The protagonist goes through rigorous training and preparation to improve their skills and abilities. This often involves working with a coach or mentor who helps them hone their abilities.
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Rivalries: A rival/rivals are introduced for the protagonist to compete against. This is either a player for a different team, a naturally gifted superstar with all the resources or an enemy team. These rivalries are often the final antagonist and them being so far above the protagonists and their team’s skill level makes it clear how much further the protagonist has to go.
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Teamwork and friendship: Through the hardships the team finally starts working together. Often the protagonists takes on a semi-leadership role or just acts as the inspiration and the glue for the fractious team to rally behind. This respect is usually earned through the protagonists hard work and unflinching desire to be the best.
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Major competition or tournament: The story usually builds up to a major competition or tournament where the protagonist must compete against other skilled athletes from around the world. This tournament also acts as the stories plot progress type.
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Triumph and growth: The protagonist faces their greatest challenge and overcomes it, often with the help of their friends and teammates. They learn important life lessons, such as the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance.
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Future aspirations: The story often ends with the protagonist reflecting on their journey and looking towards the future, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue pursuing their passion for the sport.
- Struggle and hardship: The protagonist usually quickly learns that they are far behind the rest of the team who isn’t that thrilled to have a rookie to train up. Some of the other teammates might be dismissive or vicious in their distain.
Story Examples:
- All for the Game
- Free!
- Yuri on Ice
Note that this list is constantly being added to. If you have suggestions for a missing plot archetype, let me know in the comments and I will add it. The same goes for corrections on plot points or further story examples, just let me know and I will add or correct it.
COMMENT
- Sanderson, Brandon. Lecture #3: Plot Part 2 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy. YouTube. 12.02.2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgbsz7Gnrd8