What Is a Plot Archetype?

Plot archetypes are the familiar story patterns we see repeatedly in literature. While the settings and characters may be different, the events that unfold have a common pattern. Whether it’s the hero’s journey, the rags-to-riches transformation or the battle between good and evil, these common patterns appear in stories across cultures and time.

Plot archetypes provide a framework that makes stories easier to understand and compare. To help your students explore some of the most common story archetypes found in children’s literature, Teach Starter has created this 8-page mini book. The book guides students through the process of analysing the plot of a book they have recently read, with each page featuring a different prompt or activity. These include:

• A title page
• Book information
• Archetype identification
• Text evidence
• Story map
• Character connection
• Exciting scenes
• Reflection

The booklet contains space for both written and visual information. It allows students to demonstrate their ability to break down the key elements of the story and connect them to a familiar archetype.

Further Explore Archetypal Plots with Your Students 

This engaging, hands-on activity provides a great introduction to plot archetypes commonly found in children’s literature. If you’re looking to further extend your students’ learning, you might like to explore some of the following ideas: 

• Writing – Have students plan, write and publish their own story based on one of the archetypes they have explored through the booklet.
• Reading – Challenge students to find short stories, fairy tales or picture books that fit each archetype and present their findings to the class.
• Mapping – Have students create a visual map or storyboard of the book they analyzed, showing how each stage of the plot fits into the chosen archetype.

Download and Teach Plot Archetypes

Use the dropdown menu on the Download button above to access either the quick-print PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template before accessing it.)

To assemble the mini book, follow these simple steps.

1. Download the PDF version of the reader by clicking the Download button.
2. On your printer, select double-sided printing. Be sure to flip on the short edge.
3. Compile the pages, making sure the first page is at the bottom of your pile. 
4. Fold your collection of pages in half to make a book.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Complement This Story Archetype Resource

Expand your literature studies by incorporating more great resources from the Teach Starter team into your ELA planning! Click below to browse a selection from our library.

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