Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2494

The Seven Basic Plots

The Seven Basic Plots
CultureHigh supportLiterature
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

All stories in the world can be reduced to these seven archetypes: 1. Overcoming the Monster; 2. Rags to Riches; 3. The Quest; 4. Voyage and Return; 5. Comedy; 6. Tragedy; 7. Rebirth.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Leverage archetypes. When you're stuck, see which archetype your story belongs to. Look back at classic works of that archetype (e.g., The Odyssey or Cinderella) for structural inspiration.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Reduce the vast array of stories into a few archetypes (such as overcoming the monster, rise and fall, quest, etc.), using limited structures to understand narrative and universal human concerns.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_PlotsZH · Explicit
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