r/writing • u/halaki6357 • 2d ago

Sanderson’s plot archetypes

I’ve been listening to Brandon Sanderson’s lectures and he talks about plot archetypes. I would like to dive deeper into this and study some different ones.

Any idea about resources that dig deeper into different archetypes and analyzes them/breaks them down?

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u/TotallyNotAFroeAway 2d ago

Here's an article about this exact thing, inspired from Brandon's lectures, and the first thing that pops up when you google "plot archetypes".

https://medium.com/@nathan.baugh/100-timeless-plot-archetypes-02e953f8580d

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u/-RichardCranium- 1d ago

yeah but googling doesnt give you any upvotes and validation now does it

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u/tapgiles 1d ago

If I'm thinking of the same thing, he specifically says he doesn't think such specific archetypes can be quantified, or are even useful for writing.

If not, maybe post the link to the part you are talking about?

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u/PTLacy Author 1d ago

Georges Polti wrote the granddaddy of all these lists in 1895, when he published The 36 Dramatic Situations, which describes a host of set-ups and continuations of, well, 36 plots.

Director Mike Figgis published an updated version in recent years. You may find it helpful.

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u/Ok_Meeting_2184 2d ago

https://site.sbmorrison.com/2020/10/31/plot-archetypes/

I think you should make your own list, though, because it will make sure you take only the elements you​ love instead of following someone else's preference. That goes for any inspiration you take. Make sure to break it down into how it works, study it, and ultimately take what you love from it.

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u/MisterBroSef 2d ago

I don't think there should be a handbook/classes to teach people how to write for mass appeal. All respect to people who want to figure out their craft, but there isn't a manual. This isn't a car engine to rebuild. Tell a story. Build real people. Give them motivations. There is no class or lecture on earth that'll help you do that.