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
Tragedy
Anticipation Stage:
Newman is rich and worldly. He has practically everything…except a wife to make it all worthwhile. When Mrs. Tristram suggests he go after the beautiful Claire de Cintre, he practically makes her an obsession.
Dream Stage:
Let's face it: Newman was ready to wed Claire from day one. But when she finally agrees to marry him, all of Newman's dreams seem to be coming true. Claire's difficult family even seems to be getting on board with their marriage.
Frustration Stage:
Newman's totally shocked when Claire changes her mind. He'd ask his pal Valentin for help, but Valentin is dying in Switzerland after a duel gone wrong. Newman starts considering extreme actions in order to hold his "dream wedding" together…even blackmail.
Nightmare Stage:
Newman comes to terms with the fact that Claire's out of his life, but he can't let go of the bitterness. As everything seems to be closing in around him, he wants to take it out on the Bellegarde family.
Destruction or Death Wish Stage:
Okay, so a typical tragedy ends with the hero's death or destruction. Newman doesn't die, thankfully, but his dreams of marrying Claire are totally shattered. And he's forever locked out of aristocratic French society.
Womp, womp.