10 Familiar Story Structures to Turn Upside Down

Shake things up by putting a twist on classic story structures…

Photo by Yosuke Ota on Unsplash

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut with your plots?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of using the same old story structures over and over.

But what if we could shake things up a bit?

By flipping familiar story structures on their heads, you can breathe new life into your narratives and surprise your readers.

Here are 10 classic story structures that are ripe for a fresh twist.

1. The Hero’s Journey: Twist the Destiny

The Hero’s Journey is a classic for a reason — it’s epic!

But what if the hero wasn’t the one destined to save the day?

Imagine a story where the protagonist starts off with all the hero’s traits but discovers they’re not the chosen one.

Instead, they become a mentor or sidekick in someone else’s journey.

This twist can offer new perspectives on the hero’s role and challenge traditional expectations.

Take a look at some examples of movies that put a twist on the hero’s journey.

• Movie: The Incredibles (2004) — Instead of a single hero on a journey, the entire family must come together, with each member playing a crucial role. The story explores the concept of heroism and destiny from a collaborative family perspective.
• Movie: The Matrix (1999) — In this iconic film, Neo begins as an ordinary computer hacker who is revealed to be “The One,” the prophesied savior of humanity. Instead of accepting this destiny straightforwardly, Neo initially struggles with disbelief and reluctance. His journey involves not only coming to terms with his role but also choosing to redefine it, ultimately exploring the theme of free will versus destiny in a unique way.

Find a way to put a twist on the hero’s journey in a unique way and your story could be the next bestselling book-turned-movie.

2. The Quest: Change the Goal

In traditional quest stories, the protagonist is on a mission to find a valuable item or achieve a noble goal.

What if the quest isn’t about achieving a tangible objective but instead about uncovering a personal truth or solving a deep-seated mystery?

By shifting the focus from a physical destination to an emotional or psychological journey, you can create a more introspective narrative.

Take a look at some examples from TV shows and movies.

• Movie: The Princess Bride (1987) — While it starts as a quest for true love, the real focus is on the characters’ personal growth and the humorous, self-aware journey they undertake.
• TV Show: The Good Place (2016–2020) — Instead of a quest for a physical reward, the show centers on the quest for personal redemption and moral growth in a unique afterlife setting.

See if you can come up with a way to change your hero’s goal.

3. The Rags-to-Riches: Flip the Arc

The rags-to-riches story often involves a character rising from humble beginnings to achieve great success.

How about reversing this arc?

Start with a character who has it all and gradually loses everything.

This can provide a powerful exploration of character flaws and resilience, offering a fresh take on the concept of success and failure.

• Movie: Parasite (2019) — The story begins with the impoverished Kim family deceiving their way into the wealthy Park household, but it ultimately flips the arc as their scheme leads to downfall rather than success.
• TV Show: Succession (2018–2023) — This series starts with a wealthy family in decline and explores their struggles to maintain power and control, reversing the traditional rise-to-success narrative.

A riches to rags story is just as interesting to watch, so why not create one of your own?

4. The Love Triangle: Shift the Focus

Love triangles are a staple of romance, but what if you focused less on the romantic tension and more on the relationships between the characters?

Instead of pitting two suitors against each other, delve into the dynamics of how each relationship affects the characters’ personal growth and their connections with others.

Here are some examples.

• Movie: Clueless (1995) — The film features a love triangle involving Cher, her stepbrother Josh, and a new student, but it primarily focuses on Cher’s journey of self-discovery and her growth as a person. The romantic tension is secondary to the exploration of Cher’s character development, social dynamics, and her evolving understanding of herself and those around her.
• TV Show: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019) — Rather than focusing solely on the traditional romantic tension between Rebecca Bunch and her two love interests, the show delves deeply into Rebecca’s personal struggles, mental health issues, and self-discovery. The love triangle serves as a backdrop for exploring more complex themes of identity, self-worth, and emotional growth, providing a richer and more nuanced perspective on relationships.

Find a way to transform the typical love triangle and write something totally unique.

5. The Coming-of-Age: Reimagine the Protagonist’s Growth

Coming-of-age stories are all about characters growing up and discovering themselves.

Why not explore this theme through an older protagonist?

What if a character in their 40s or 50s is faced with a situation that forces them to reevaluate their life and personal growth?

This can offer a unique perspective on self-discovery and change.

Take a look at some examples.

• Movie: The Intern (2015) — Follows a 70-year-old intern who learns about modern work life and personal growth, flipping the traditional coming-of-age story by focusing on an older character’s development.
• TV Show: Atypical (2017–2021) — This series centers on Sam, a teenager with autism, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and strives for independence. The coming-of-age narrative is reimagined through Sam’s unique perspective, highlighting his journey towards self-discovery and the impact on his family, offering a fresh and nuanced take on personal growth and development.

These shows do an amazing job of reimagining the protagonist’s growth.

Try to do this in your own way.

6. The Mystery: Change the Detective’s Approach

Mysteries typically involve a detective unraveling clues to solve a crime.

What if the detective is also the antagonist or is working against their own interests?

Another twist could be having the detective solve the mystery without following traditional methods, like using unconventional tools or relying on intuition rather than evidence.

Here are some examples.

• Movie: Gone Girl (2014) — In this film, the focus shifts from a traditional detective investigation to the complex media frenzy and psychological manipulation surrounding the case. The approach highlights how public perception and personal deceit play a significant role in unraveling the mystery.
• TV Show: Dexter (2006–2013, 2021) — This series features Dexter Morgan, a forensic expert who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. Instead of a conventional detective, Dexter’s approach combines his unique moral code with his crime-solving skills, providing a fresh and unconventional take on solving mysteries.

Find a way to change your detective’s approach in a way that hasn’t been done before.

7. The Tragedy: Alter the Downfall

Tragedies often revolve around a protagonist’s downfall due to a fatal flaw or external forces.

Imagine a story where the character’s downfall is a result of their refusal to change or adapt, rather than a tragic flaw.

This twist can explore themes of stubbornness and resistance to growth.

Take a look at how others have approached this.

• Movie: The Truman Show (1998) —In this movie, Truman Burbank experiences a profound personal downfall when he discovers that his entire life has been manipulated and broadcast as a reality TV show. The tragedy extends beyond his initial realization, exploring the deep emotional and existential impact of coming to terms with his fabricated existence and the struggle to reclaim his sense of reality and autonomy.
• TV Show: Girls (2012–2017) — This series delves into the lives of a group of friends as they navigate their twenties in New York City. The tragedy unfolds through their various personal and professional missteps, exploring the aftermath of failed relationships, career disappointments, and self-destructive behaviors. The show captures the deep emotional impact of their downfalls (as well as their stubbornness and resistance to coming of age), focusing on how these experiences shape their growth and influence their relationships as they work through the consequences of their actions.

Figure out a way to create an authentic story about a character who refuses to change or adapt in uniquely modern ways.

8. The Comedy of Errors: Flip the Misunderstandings

In comedies of errors, misunderstandings and mistaken identities drive the plot.

What if instead of the misunderstandings being resolved for comedic effect, they lead to even more chaos and unexpected consequences?

This can turn the typical comedic resolution on its head and create a more complex, layered humor.

Several TV shows and movies have done this. Take a look.

• TV Show: Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020) — This series flips traditional comedy by taking a wealthy family’s fall from grace and turning it into a heartwarming and humorous exploration of personal growth. The comedy arises from the clash between their former luxury and their new, more humble lifestyle, providing a fresh perspective on the classic fish-out-of-water scenario.
• Movie: Mean Girls (2004) — This film takes a comedic look at high school cliques and social dynamics, flipping the script on traditional high school comedies by incorporating sharp satire and social commentary. The humor is both clever and biting, offering a fresh take on teenage drama and girl culture.
• Movie: Legally Blonde (2001) — This film flips the typical “dumb blonde” stereotype by showcasing Elle Woods’ journey from fashion-obsessed sorority girl to a successful Harvard Law student. The comedy arises from subverting expectations and highlighting her intelligence and determination, blending humor with a message of empowerment and self-discovery.

Find a way to flip a stereotype or a comedic tradition for a fresh take.

9. The Redemption Arc: Change the Catalyst

Redemption arcs usually involve a character making amends for past mistakes and achieving forgiveness.

What if the catalyst for redemption is not an act of heroism or sacrifice but a mundane, everyday decision that unexpectedly leads to significant change?

This can provide a more subtle, nuanced approach to character growth and redemption.

Here are a few examples.

• TV Show: Breaking Bad (2008–2013) — Walter White’s journey towards redemption is complicated by his moral descent and increasing criminal activities, making his path to redemption both unconventional and tragic.
• Movie: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) — This film flips the traditional hero’s journey by focusing on Harley Quinn, a character who defies the typical hero archetype. Instead of a classic hero, it features a chaotic and unconventional journey with humor and an anti-hero twist, showcasing a different approach to the hero’s journey through Harley’s unpredictable and empowering narrative.

If you want your story to be as impactful to pop culture as these, try changing the catalyst.

10. The Survival Story: Flip the Adversity

Survival stories often center on characters overcoming extreme challenges in hostile environments.

What if instead of fighting against nature or enemies, the characters must confront their own inner demons or societal pressures?

Shifting the focus from external threats to internal struggles can offer a fresh take on the survival genre.

Take a look at how it’s been done.

• TV Show: Lost (2004–2010) — While the series features survival elements, it also explores the characters’ psychological and emotional challenges, turning the focus from just physical survival to deeper internal conflicts.
• Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) — This film redefines the antihero through Jordan Belfort, a charismatic but morally ambiguous stockbroker who rises to immense wealth and power through unethical means. The movie focuses on his reckless behavior and lavish lifestyle, showcasing a protagonist who embodies antihero qualities by subverting traditional notions of morality and success.

Give us a new take on the survival genre and your story could find the same success as these.

Turning the Familiar Upside Down

By turning these familiar story structures upside down, you can create narratives that are both innovative and engaging.

Remember, the key is to maintain the core essence of each structure while adding your own unique twist.

So, take these ideas, experiment, and let your creativity run wild.

Your next story could be the one that breaks new ground and captivates readers in unexpected ways.

Happy writing!

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