Not all funny stories fit into this category—but some follow a very specific arc that leads to laughter, mix-ups, and that satisfying “finally!” moment at the end. The Comedy plot structure is like your favorite rom-com or high school drama with a twist: there’s confusion, miscommunication, lots of almosts… and eventually, everything falls into place.
At its heart, the Comedy plot often centers on a group of characters who know what’s best (or at least think they do). There’s usually a hero and a heroine who seem perfect for each other—but something silly, awkward, or mildly ridiculous keeps them apart. The other characters? They’re all watching from the sidelines like teachers at a middle school dance thinking, “Just go talk to her already!”
As the story unfolds, misunderstandings pile up. The characters drift further apart. Someone’s dating the wrong person. Someone else overhears the wrong conversation. Feelings get hurt. Drama kicks in.
But then…
The mix-ups get untangled. Truth bubbles to the surface. People change their minds, open their hearts, and figure it out. Love and friendship win the day. Cue the confetti and catchy musical number—it’s a comedy, after all.
Mini Lesson and Classroom Project
Students create a staggered flip organizer to explore this plot structure (think interactive notebook meets Hallmark meets middle-grade fiction).
Included in the activity:
- a definition page outlining the Comedy arc
- space to list examples from books, movies, or shows students recognize
- a “Digging Deeper” section where students describe each stage and reflect on why this genre is so appealing
- three outline pages for guided story analysis
Comedy Plot Description
The easiest way to understand Booker’s “Comedy” plot think of Hallmark Channel movies. The light romantic comedies begin with a ‘guy meets a girl’. The two like each other. A problem keeps them apart. The two work through the problems and live happily ever after. Not many books for upper elementary students fall into this category. Below are three stories that have elements of the ‘Comedy’ plot.
Tangled
Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (Tangled) team up, fall apart, and find each other again—with lanterns, crowns, and magical tears involved.
Ella Enchanted
Ella (Ella Enchanted) falls for Prince Charmont, but her magically-forced obedience complicates everything until she breaks the spell.
Frozen
In Frozen, sisterly love—not romance—saves the kingdom from an eternal winter, with plenty of ice blasts, trolls, and comedic snowmen along the way.
Comedy Examples
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Ellie’s grandpa—who happens to be a scientist—discovers a way to reverse aging and turns himself into a teenager. Cue instant confusion. Grandpa Melvin moves in with Ellie and enrolls in her middle school (awkward!). The two team up to recover a stolen experiment that could change science forever, but miscommunications and clashing personalities cause plenty of chaos along the way.
Despite the odd pairing, Ellie and Melvin learn to understand each other, find common ground, and develop a heartfelt connection. The story wraps with changed perspectives, science facts, and just enough weirdness to leave students smiling. It’s a comedy about family, growing up, and embracing the unexpected.
Clueless
This movie is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. It has a high school comedy plot and revolves around the antics of the popular girl, Cher. She tries to help her friends and classmates but ends up causing more chaos than good. However, everything is resolved in a happy and satisfying way.
A Cinderella Story
This romantic comedy follows the story of Sam, a high school student who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. However, she meets a mysterious boy online and eventually discovers that he is her crush at school. They overcome many obstacles and eventually fall in love.
Mama Mia
This romantic comedy revolves around the wedding of Sophie, a young woman who is trying to find out who her father is. Her mother’s three former lovers all attend the wedding, leading to many humorous situations. However, everything is resolved in a happy and satisfying way.
The Princess Bride
This comedy adventure follows the story of Westley and Princess Buttercup, who are trying to be reunited after many obstacles and challenges. The movie is full of humor, including the character of Fezzik, a giant with a heart of gold.
Sixteen Candles
This movie has a high school comedy plot. It follows the story of Samantha, a teenager who is forgotten on her sixteenth birthday. She faces many challenges and obstacles, including her crush not noticing her. However, everything is resolved in a happy and satisfying way.
The Princess Diaries
This movie has a high school comedy plot. It follows the story of Mia, a teenager who discovers that she is a princess of a small European country. She faces many challenges and obstacles as she learns to be a princess, including her awkwardness and her grandmother’s disapproval. However, everything is resolved in a happy and satisfying way.
High School Musical
This movie has a high school comedy plot. It follows the story of Troy and Gabriella, two high school students who fall in love and try out for the school musical. They face many challenges and obstacles, including peer pressure.
If you missed the link to the handouts, it is available again here.
Jump to the plot you are interested in using these links.
