It is said that there are only seven basic plots for all stories. No matter how complex or involved the story seems to be, it can be placed into one of the seven different types of story.
The seven basic plots are not genres but structures we can use to construct a story and to give our ideas direction.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how writers can use the seven basic plots to create compelling and authentic queer stories. Of course, these are simply ideas. You can place queer characters in any situation or story, as long as they are authentic characters.
Overcoming the Monster
In this type of story, the main character sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) that threatens the protagonist, their comrades or lands in some way. Think Star Wars if you need a film example.
As a queer storyteller, consider how the monster could be a character with homophobic views, threatening society. Your protagonist could have to overcome homophobic laws and conquer an oppressive society.
Rags to Riches
Somehow, the main character needs to acquire power, wealth or a mate. They will then lose their new found riches before they get them back, growing as a person as a result.
In queer writing, this could be a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Your story could show the protagonist coming to terms with their identity, embracing their new community before losing them in some way. Of course, by the end, they will need to thrive again.
The Quest
The protagonist and their companions must set out to collect an important object or to get to a location. Along the way, they will face obstacles or temptations that deviate them from the path. The most obvious of these types of stories is The Lord of the Rings.
As a queer writer, your quest may take your characters on a journey to find acceptance, change laws or find equality in some way. This can be represented in a love quest, but also in the pursuit of a found family.
Voyage and Return
In this type of story, the main character must go to a strange land and, after overcoming threats or learning important lessons there they must return with experience.
In LGBTQ+ writing, this could symbolise a character’s exploration of their identity, perhaps they need to travel to find acceptance or to find themselves. When they return, they have a far greater sense of self and can apply this to their lives.
Comedy
While light and humorous, a comedy doesn’t have to be laugh-out-loud funny. The main character has a happy or cheerful ending and the plot is driven by the triumph over adverse circumstance, resulting in a successful or happy conclusion.
In LGBTQ+ writing, a comedy could be a romance story, with the characters happily falling in love and living happily ever after.
Tragedy
The hero has a character flaw or great mistake which is ultimately their undoing. Their unfortunate end evokes pity from the fall of a fundamentally good character.
An LGBTQ+ tragedy might explore the hardships faced by the queer community, showing the struggles and discrimination faced by the characters. Queer writers could explore the impact of discrimination which leads to tragic outcomes.
Rebirth
An event forces the main character to change and become a better individual as a result of the event.
This is common in personal growth and character driven novels. This could be used to show the queer character finding acceptance and embracing their true self after hiding their identity for a period of time.
These seven basic plots can be used in any genre although some lend themselves more obviously than others! These are ways in which we can think about a plot’s structure. Think about how you can integrate some LGBTQ+ themes into your plots.
Read more:
https://www.firstdraftpro.com/blog/seven-types-of-stories
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots
Nick (he/him) is an experienced, professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing. Use this form to get in touch right now!
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