What Are the 37 Plots?
The 37 Plots are a set of situations that are used to analyze stories and literature. Developed by Georges Polti in the late 19th century, the 37 Plots are still used today to study and understand the structure of stories.
The 37 Plots are broken down into categories such as Supplication, Deliverance, Crime, Vengeance, Pursuit, Disaster, Cruelty/Misfortune, and Revolt. Each category contains a number of situations that are used to explain the structure of a story.
Supplication is the first category and it involves a character who is pleading for help or assistance. This could be a character asking for help from a higher power or another character. The necessary elements for this situation are a supplicant, a power, and an object of supplication.
Deliverance is the second category and it involves a character being saved from danger or a difficult situation. The necessary elements for this situation are a peril, a deliverer, and a victim.
Crime is the third category and it involves a character committing a crime or wrong-doing. The necessary elements for this situation are a criminal, a victim, and a punishment.
Vengeance is the fourth category and it involves a character seeking revenge for a wrong-doing. The necessary elements for this situation are a wrong-doer, a revenger, and a victim.
Pursuit is the fifth category and it involves a character chasing after something or someone. The necessary elements for this situation are a pursuer, a fugitive, and a goal.
Disaster is the sixth category and it involves a character facing a disaster or tragedy. The necessary elements for this situation are a victim, a disaster, and a motive.
Falling prey to cruelty/misfortune is the seventh category and it involves a character being subjected to cruelty or misfortune. The necessary elements for this situation are a victim, a persecutor, and a motive.
Revolt is the eighth category and it involves a character rebelling against authority. The necessary elements for this situation are a rebel, an authority, and a motive.
The 37 Plots are a useful tool for analyzing stories and literature. By understanding the structure of stories, we can gain a better understanding of the characters and their motivations. The 37 Plots can also be used to develop new stories and characters.