This video is about seven basic plots for Heroic fictional storytelling.
A Plot is described as the main events in a audio, visual, or written story presented by the author as an interrelated sequence.
A Hero is the protangonist of the story who has a moral code tied to reality which drives to do the right thing.
The story is typically presented through a three act stucture.
The three-act stucture contains five general characteristics:
1. A Call to Action – this is the exciting event that leads the a protagonist towards their adventure.
2. The Mentor – this is the person that guides the hero, or is the moral compass of the story.
3. Tests and Trials – these are the challenges that fill the middle of the story.
4. A Final Confrontation – this is the face to face fight with the enemy.
5. Resolution – this is the reward.
The seven plots are:
1. Overcoming the Monster – this about overcoming a threat to the Hero, or his world.
2. Rags to Riches – an underdog battles the odds to become top dog.
3. The Quest – the Hero seeks a treasure of great value.
4. Voyage and Return – the Hero lands in unfamiliar territory and must learn new rules.
5. Comedy – a goal impeded by funny obstacles.
6. Tragedy – the hero is his own worst enemy and this leads to his downfall.
7. Rebirth – the hero transforms into a new being, literally or figuratively.
These provide principles for Heroic ttrpg scenario design. The problem is this isn’t the only kind of collective story to tell and this isn’t a justification to make a scenario that is a rail road, but it is a framework to design game mechanics that enable this kind of story.