1. Supplication—to beg for something one does not have (an evil character interferes)

• In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy seeks help from The Wizard so that she can go home, and escape the wrath of the Wicked Witch of the West.

2. Deliverance– a hero rescues someone in danger

• Example: This story happens whenever Superman saves Lois Lane from…whatever.

3. Crime Pursued by Vengeance —the hero hunts down the criminal for a past crime

• Example: “They” killed the hero’s wife and family. Now, he hunts “Them” down.

4. Vengeance taken for Kin upon Kin--one family member takes vengeance on another family member for something that was done to yet another family member.

5. Pursuit—a fugitive runs from justice or injustice

• Example: The HULK (Bruce Banner) is always on the run from military

6. Disaster--something terrible has happened, and the main characters must cope with it.

7. Falling Prey to Cruelty or Misfortune—something bad happens that has lasting ramifications on a person’s life

8. Revolt—a conspirator leads a revolt against an oppressive tyrant

9. Daring Enterprise—a leader willing to take the risk sets out to do the impossible

10. Abduction—someone is taken by an abductor and must be rescued by a hero

11. Enigma—the villain usually leaves clues for the seeker to follow in order to solve the problem. There is usually also a time limit involved.

• Example: The Riddler often leaves clues for Batman to solve in order to prevent a crime or save innocent lives.

12. Obtaining—trying to make a deal for something desired but someone/something gets in the way

• Example: Pepe Le Pew seeks the love of Kitty, • but she resists because he stinks!

13. Enmity of Kinsmen—two relative s hate one another and fighting ensues

14. Rivalry of Kinsmen—two relatives compete over an object/person who prefers one over the other

15. Murderous Adultery—involves a plan to kill a spouse for the love of another

16. Madness—a person goes crazy and harms others

17. Fatal Imprudence—a rash act lead to terrible consequences

18. Involuntary Crimes of Love—unknowingly having an affair with a relative or otherwise inappropriate partner

19. Slaying of a Kinsmen Unrecognized—harming or killing someone to later realize he/she was a relative

20. Self-sacrifice for an Ideal—the hero gives up something for the sake of an ideal

21. Self-sacrifice for Kin—the hero gives up something to help a friend/relative

22. All Sacrificed for a Passion/Vice--giving up something precious for the love of another person, or sacrificing something because of greed.

23. Necessity of Sacrificing Love One—the hero is forced to sacrifice loved one

• Abraham and Isaac

24. Rivalry of Superior and Inferior—two competitors vying for something (we like to see the underdog win)

25. Adultery—Someone cheats on a spouse and bad things happen as a result

26. Crimes of Love—a romantic relationship exists that is forbidden by social or moral code

Relationships with partners too young, too old, of the wrong sex, race, or religions, etc.

27. Discovery of the dishonor of a loved one—a person brings shame on his family from a dishonorable act

28. Obstacle to Love—Two lovers want to be together but something is keeping them from doing so.

29. An Enemy Loved—loving someone who is also our enemy

30. Ambition—Someone wants something but is thwarted by an adversary

31. Conflict with a God—a human challenges God and suffers consequences

32. Mistaken Jealousy—Someone is jealous of another but for mistaken or untrue reasons

33. Erroneous Judgment—mistakenly thinking that someone else is guilty when he is not

34. Remorse—Someone does something wrong or sinful and later is sorry for it.

35. Recovery of a Lost One—someone is lost and is later found

36. Loss of Loved Ones—seeing or learning about the death of a loved one