Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?

One of the first things I learned in beginning playwriting sophomore year was that there are pretty much only two types of plots in the world. I know, I know, Thomas Foster says there is ONE so that must be so. Bear with me though, while I attempt to explain my reasoning.
1. Boy meets girl:

• This can unfold in many different ways. Sometimes boy meets girl, it’s love at first sight, and they all live happily ever after. Scratch that...happily ever afters never come that easily. It’s never that simple. However, what is more likely to happen is the two COULD fall in love at first glance, but there is a catch. Their love is forbidden. It can be forbidden by their parents, friends, society, etc. The majority of the plot therefore is dedicated to dealing with how to overcome the obstacles their forbidden love faces. A prime example of this kind of story is one that we all know by heart. “Romeo and Juliet”, a classic tale of forbidden love and the price one is willing to pay for love is known by readers of all levels. From middle school theatre geeks to the highly educated English professors on the Ivy League level, “Romeo and Juliet” is a story we are all familiar with. However, Shakespeare did not invent the forbidden love concept. This is evident in one of Shakespeare’s other works, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in which the ancient tale of Pyramus and Thisbe is told by the acting troupe. From Pyramus to Romeo, we are then led to even more modern stories of forbidden love. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical “West Side Story” is yet another unfolding of a boy meeting a girl, falling in love, and dealing with the repercussions of their feelings toward each other.
• Another option writers could use while still sticking to the “boy meets girl” theme is that they don’t fall in love automatically. This type of plot can be exhibited through the classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast.” Belle is afraid of the Beast at first, but in time learns to love him despite his outward appearance and her first impression of him.

Boy meets girl combinations are endless, but no matter what century, geographical location, or hardships you throw at your characters, ultimately the same thing is happening: a male is meeting a female.

2. Adventure Awaits:

• The second plot option is the “Hero’s Call to Adventure.” As discussed in Chapter One, the hero’s journey or quest can be both a physical adventure or something happening inside. Either way, “the real reason for the quest is self-knowledge.” (3) The protagonist has to accomplish a task- and whether that task entails saving a beautiful, fair maiden or finding oneself amidst the chaos of the world, the hero or protagonist must overcome obstacles that are hurdled his or her way.

Whether there are two stories of the world that are passed down generation to generation, or just one, I cannot argue that having the same kinds of stories is beneficial to us as readers, as the more we read and become familiar with the plots, the better understanding we will gain.