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Writing Tips Oasis

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5 Different Types of Plots in Fiction

By Pranay Kanagat

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Every writer looks for some inspiration before starting a new story/book. Do you, too, need inspiration for your next story? Inspiration could come from anything, a book, a short story, or even a movie or a TV show. All that is needed is a spark, which starts the fire inside you. So, if you are looking for inspiration for your next story, here is a list of 5 different types of plots in fiction:

Rebirth

Rebirth, or reincarnation, is the story about being dying and born again, in a different time. This plot has a sense of mystery and magic surrounding it. One of the best examples of a story of rebirth would be “It’s a Wonderful Life”, which is a movie about how an angel from heaven helps a frustrated businessman by showing him how life would have been, had he not existed. You could write about your characters being born again in a different world or culture, or perhaps, you could take inspiration from the above mentioned movie and make your character not exist at all. Either way, the theme of rebirth and reincarnation has a certain allure to it.

Quest

Perhaps one of the more popular types of plots in novels and stories, the quest theme still seems to be highly in demand. The plot could be as simple as completing a mission by going from point A to point B. It’s all about the adventures that the title character goes through to achieve what he/she set out for. If you want your story to be complex, however, you could go on the lines of “The Lord of the Rings” series, or the “Harry Potter” series, both of which are true quests at heart, even though they have the added complexities of magic and fantasy added to them.

Rags to Riches

Everybody loves an underdog. You could mould your story based on the tried and tested “rags to riches” formula. Going back to the age old and one of the most loved fairy tale “Cinderella”, which is a perfect example of what rags to riches depicts, your story could depict a poor and looked down upon character, who rises to dizzying heights he/she could never have imagined.

Journey

You could also look to stories like “The Wizard of Oz” or “Where Wild Things Are”, which are both perfect examples of a story about a set of characters embarking on a life changing journey, and how, on their homecoming, their lives are transformed. The characters undergo a sense of spiritual soul searching and find their true selves along the journey through time.

Comedy

If you are looking for a light hearted, fun filled, laughter ridden storyline, you could best turn to stories with your main protagonists, who are rather clumsy, going through a comedy of errors like “Dumb and Dumber”. You could also add a little romance into the mix, and turn your story into a romantic comedy, a brand which is again, considered to be fun. Look towards “The Philadelphia Story”, a film about how, during a woman’s remarriage, her ex-husband turns up and the events that follow.

The above mentioned basic plots might just help you get some inspiration for your next story. So, choose your type, take out your pens, and start writing!

Image credit: umjanedoan on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Pranay.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Pranay Kanagat is a freelance writer who has a love for writing on various subjects. In particular, he enjoys creative writing. He is also studying for an Engineering degree.[/author_info] [/author]

Filed Under: Fiction Tagged With: 5 Different Types of Plots to Inspire Your Next Story, different plots used for novels, eBooks in India, Indian eBooks, plots for novels, types of plots in fiction

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