Let’s face it, plot patterns can sometimes feel like the grammar of storytelling: essential, but not exactly thrilling on their own. But what if you could introduce plot development in a way that grabs your students’ attention before the rising action even begins?
Cue the commercials.
From Gatorade ads about bouncing back from failure to Allstate’s Mayhem teaching “overcoming the monster” with a side of chaos, commercials are one of the quickest ways to help students see plot patterns in action. They’re short, memorable, and packed with story structure.
Today’s lesson combines two hands‑on activities with a 26‑page printable handout that includes pockets, summaries, charts, and optional commercial lists. Whether you’re introducing plot patterns or reinforcing them, this lesson makes story structure visible, relatable, and fun.
How Many Plot Patterns Are There in Literature?
Depends on whom you ask.
Some scholars say three. Others list twenty. Georges Polti charted thirty‑six dramatic situations. Kurt Vonnegut famously sketched a single narrative “shape” on a chalkboard. Christopher Booker organized stories into seven timeless categories.
While we won’t settle the debate here, seven universal plot patterns work beautifully in the classroom. They’re simple enough for students to grasp, but flexible enough to apply across genres, cultures, and grade levels.
📚 The Seven Universal Plot Patterns
Below is the student‑friendly chart included in your handout. These categories give students a clear way to identify how a story is structured and why that structure matters.
| Plot Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Overcoming the Monster | a hero faces and defeats a powerful threat | Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Shrek by William Steig |
| Rags to Riches | a poor protagonist rises—then faces a loss and transformation | Cinderella by Charles Perrault, Aladdin by Antoine Galland (adapted), Matilda by Roald Dahl, Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis |
| The Quest | a journey toward a goal with trials along the way | Percy Jackson and the Olympians (The Lightning Thief) by Rick Riordan, The Giver by Lois Lowry, Holes by Louis Sachar |
| Voyage and Return | a character ventures out, grows, and returns changed | The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo |
| Comedy | misunderstandings and obstacles resolved in a happy ending | Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, Toy Story by John Lasseter (film) |
| Tragedy | the downfall of the protagonist due to flaws or fate | Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton |
| Rebirth | a dark moment transforms a character into someone new | A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate |
The Handout
The handout for this lesson includes:
- seven pockets for sorting plot summaries
- twenty‑eight summary cards
- a chart for recording answers
- a list of commercials you can use to go deeper
- a booklet‑style cover
- a student organizer for mapping plot patterns
- links to all seven extended posts (optional deeper‑study material)
These deeper‑study posts are available if you want to explore each plot pattern individually, but they are not required for this lesson.
Grab the free handout here.
Teaching Plot Patterns in Literature Activities
Activity #1 — Teaching Plot Patterns with Commercials
Commercials are short, engaging, and packed with story structure. As students watch each clip, ask them to identify which plot pattern it follows. Use the chart in the handout to help them sort examples under the correct category.
You can use the commercials listed below or swap in others that better fit your class.
Gatorade — “The Secret to Victory”
Athletes explain that the essential ingredient to success is overcoming defeat.
🌀 Plot Pattern: rags to riches
Prudential Documentaries
Mini‑documentaries showing retirees on their first day after a lifetime of work.
🌀 Plot Pattern: rebirth
Public Service Announcement — “The Empty Seat”
Raises awareness for teen suicide.
Plot Pattern: tragedy
Chanel No. 5 – “The One That I Want”
A woman escapes the spotlight and reconnects with someone from her past.
🌀 Plot Pattern: transformation and rediscovery
Chrysler “Imported from Detroit”
scenes of Detroit as Eminem drives through the city
Plot Pattern: voyage and return
Intel’s “Look Inside”
stories of individuals accomplishing remarkable feats with the help of technology
Plot Pattern: quest
Allstate Mayhem Compilation (2013–2019)
Mayhem causes chaos, including grills exploding, raccoons in attics, distracted drivers, and more.
Plot Pattern: overcoming the monster
Activity #2 – Sorting Text by Plot Structures
This hands‑on sorting activity helps students apply plot patterns to books and movies they already know.
Preparation
- Assemble the seven pockets from the handout.
- Print and laminate the twenty‑eight summary cards.
- Cut the cards apart for repeated use.
Sorting
Students read each summary and decide which plot pattern it best fits. They sort the cards into pockets and record their answers on the chart.
This activity works beautifully for:
- Morning work
- Centers
- Small groups
- Early finishers
This activity works well for individual morning reviews, centers, or small-group activities.
Why Plot Patterns Matter
Teaching plot patterns isn’t just about checking a standard—it’s about helping students become stronger readers and writers.
Understanding plot structure helps students:
- Follow the flow of events
- Analyze characters and conflicts
- Build stronger narratives in their own writing
- Deepen comprehension of theme and author’s purpose
And yes—it supports key Common Core standards: RL.4.2, RL.4.3, RL.4.5, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.5, RL.6.2, RL.6.3, RL.6.5
📚 A Literary Spark
“A story helps us remember what we didn’t know we had forgotten.” —E. L. Konigsburg, The View from Saturday
Dig Deeper (Optional)
If you want to explore each plot pattern individually, here are the extended posts:
These are enrichment resources—not required for the lesson.
