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 : Tragedy
Anticipation Stage
Despite the fact that Elesin will have to commit suicide later in the day, he's in a thoroughly good mood when we first meet him. He claims he doesn't fear sacrificing himself (per Yoruban tradition) after the death of his king, and if anything, he seems chipper. He decides today's a good day to take a bride before he has to step over to the other side.
Dream Stage
While the British authorities are scheming to try to stop him, Elesin (unaware of their objections) begins the ritual, which sends him into a kind of trance as he prepares to cross over. The Praise-Singer, drummers, and others watch as the ritual proceeds.
Frustration Stage
Before Elesin can pull the whole rite off, though, local District Officer Simon Pilkings manages to intervene and have Elesin arrested. The arrest causes an uproar, since the Yoruba believe that this ritual is key to preventing the whole world from spinning into chaos. Elesin's son, who's just returned from England in anticipation of his own duties to his late father, is (like basically everyone else) angry with Elesin for not getting over to the other side before the British could stop him.
Nightmare Stage
Simon locks Elesin up in a cellar in the Residency's annex, and Iyaloja (who previously as pretty deferential to Elesin) rips into the horseman for his weakness. They discuss what can possibly be done to right this colossal cosmic wrong.
Destruction or Death Wish Stage
Iyaloja indicates that someone else has had to step in to help out Elesin and their people, and then Olunde's body is delivered; it seems he sacrificed himself in his father's place. At the sight of his son's body, Elesin strangles himself with the chains that bind him.