The 7 Basic Plots: Choose the Best Story for you
Storytelling is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and creating a lasting legacy or notoriety. By crafting a compelling narrative around your personal story, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and leave a lasting impact. But with so many different storytelling approaches out there, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s where the seven basic plots come in.
First identified by Christopher Booker in his book “The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories,” these storytelling frameworks have been used in literature, film, and television for centuries. By understanding these seven plots, you can choose the best storytelling approach to connect with your audience and achieve your personal branding goals.
- Overcoming the Monster
The first plot is all about conquering a villain or overcoming a significant obstacle. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives and want to position themselves as a hero or inspiration to others. By framing your personal story as a battle against a formidable foe, you can evoke feelings of relief and gratitude in your audience.
Example: A cancer survivor could use this plot to tell the story of their battle against the disease. They would position themselves as the hero, overcoming a significant obstacle and inspiring others to do the same.
- Rags to Riches
The second plot is all about transformation and growth. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who have achieved significant success despite humble beginnings. By highlighting your journey from rags to riches, you can evoke feelings of hope and aspiration in your audience.
Example: A successful entrepreneur could use this plot to tell the story of their rise from poverty to success. They would position themselves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for others who are struggling to achieve their goals.
- The Quest
The third plot is all about a journey or mission to achieve a specific goal. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who have a clear vision or mission for their personal brand. By framing your personal story as a quest to achieve a specific outcome, you can evoke feelings of excitement and anticipation in your audience.
Example: A philanthropist could use this plot to tell the story of their mission to make the world a better place. They would position themselves as a champion for change, inspiring others to join them on their quest.
- Voyage and Return
The fourth plot is all about a journey to a strange or unfamiliar place and the subsequent return home. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who have unique experiences or perspectives to share with their audience. By framing your personal story as a voyage to a new and unfamiliar place, you can evoke feelings of curiosity and wonder in your audience.
Example: A travel writer could use this plot to tell the story of their journey to a foreign land. They would position themselves as a guide, sharing their experiences and insights with their audience.
- Comedy
The fifth plot is all about humor and wit. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who want to connect with their audience on a lighter, more playful level. By using humor to showcase your personal story, you can evoke feelings of joy and delight in your audience.
Example: A stand-up comedian could use this plot to tell the story of their rise to fame and the challenges they faced along the way. They would position themselves as a source of entertainment and inspiration for their audience.
- Tragedy
The sixth plot is all about loss and suffering. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who want to evoke strong emotions in their audience and position themselves as a trusted advisor or support system. By framing your personal story as a tragedy, you can evoke feelings of empathy and compassion in your audience.
Example: A mental health advocate could use this plot to tell the story of their struggle with depression or anxiety. They would position themselves as a trusted resource, providing support and guidance to others who are struggling with similar challenges.
- Rebirth
The seventh plot is all about transformation and renewal. This storytelling approach is perfect for individuals who want to showcase the transformative power of their personal story. By highlighting your journey from darkness to light, you can evoke feelings of hope and inspiration in your audience.
Example: A life coach could use this plot to tell the story of their personal transformation and the tools and strategies they used to achieve it. They would position themselves as a guide, helping others achieve their own personal transformations.
In conclusion, storytelling is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and creating a lasting legacy or notoriety. By choosing the right storytelling approach, you can evoke strong emotions and build a deep connection with your audience. The seven basic plots provide a framework for individuals to choose the best storytelling approach for their personal branding goals. Whether you’re looking to position yourself as a hero, inspire your audience, or evoke feelings of empathy and compassion, there’s a storytelling approach that’s right for you.
