Pie Corbett Generic Story Plots
Adapted by Maria Richards
MC = Main Character
Wishing Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
MC wants something badly
Build up MC tries to get it
Problem MC is prevented by some sort of
difficulty
Resolution MC overcomes the difficulty
Ending MC gets what they want. (Was it
worth it?)
Warning Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
MC(s) are warned not to do
something
Build up MC(s) do what they have been
warned against
Problem Something goes wrong and the MC(s)
are in trouble
Resolution MC(s) are eventually rescued
Ending MC(s) are told off/punished for not
listening to the warning.
Conquering the Monster Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
Introduce the MC(s) all is well
Build up A monster appears and causes
problems
Problem The monster is difficult to defeat
Resolution MC(s) defeat the monster
Ending All is well again
(MC(s) gets a reward)
Finding Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
Introduce the MC
Build up MC goes somewhere and finds
something
unusual/amazing/important
Problem Something goes wrong and it is the
fault of the object found
Resolution MC has to put object back/throw it
away/hide it/call for help/sort it out
Ending All is well again and lessons have
been learnt.
Journey Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
MC goes on a journey
Build up Something small goes wrong
Problem Something worse happens
Something even worse happens
Resolution The obstacles are overcome
Ending MC gets there in the end
Losing Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
MC has something precious
Build up MC sets off with the precious item
Problem MC loses the precious item and has
to search for it/face the
consequences
Resolution The precious item is found
Ending MC vows to keep the item
safe/reflects on their feelings/learns a
lesson
Rags to Riches Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
Introduce the MC
Build up MC is sad/lonely/treated badly
Problem MC has to face difficulties because of
their situation
Resolution MC overcomes difficulties/Is helped to
overcome the difficulties
Ending MC achieves happiness
/wealth/recognition
Tale of Fear: Generic Structure:
Opening
MC is afraid of something and is
worried about it/gets teased about it
Build up MC starts to do something
Problem What MC fears actually happens
Resolution MC overcomes the fear
Ending MC has conquered the
fear/reflects/looks to the future
Meeting Tale: Generic Structure:
Opening
Two MCs meet
Build up MCs disagree and go their separate
ways
Problem Something happens to one MC
Resolution The other MC saves/helps them
Ending MCs make friends/agree
Character Flaw: Generic Structure:
Opening
Introduce MC and situation
Build up Character flaw is revealed
Problem The flaw leads the MC into trouble
Resolution MC learns a lesson and changes their
ways
Ending All is well for the future because of
the change
Adapted from plots listed in: How to Teach Fiction Writing at Key Stage 2 and
How to Teach Story Writing at Key Stage 1, Pie Corbett
Copyright In-finity 2013
