Christopher Booker is a scholar who wrote that every story falls into one of seven basic plot structures: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, the Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Shmoop explores which of these structures fits this story like Cinderella’s slipper.
Plot Type : Voyage and Return
Anticipation Stage and "Fall" into the Other World
Stevens goes on a trip to the West Country. Because he's spent most of his life at Darlington Hall, Stevens sees the English countryside as a kind of wilderness.
Fascination or Dream Stage
Initially Stevens is pretty thrilled at the prospect of seeing all the tourist sights, and he takes in the scenery. On his joyride Stevens even manages a little sightseeing in Salisbury.
Frustration Stage
Stevens is a pretty miserable driver, and his mess-ups lead him off-route, where he encounters strangers who cause him to question his life. For example, they ask nosy questions about the now-hated Lord Darlington.
Nightmare Stage
For much of the trip, Stevens is under the impression that Miss Kenton (Mrs. Benn) doesn't love her husband and wants to return to Darlington Hall. When he finally meets her, though, he realizes that he has been reading way too much into her words. His heart breaks. Aww, poor Stevens.
Thrilling Escape and Return
Stevens stops by Weymouth, sits on the pier, and looks at the colorful lights. Okay, Weymouth isn't exactly "thrilling," but it's here, on his way back to Darlington Hall, that Stevens is able to let go of the past.