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 : Overcoming the Monster
Anticipation Stage and 'Call'
Thomas Fowler, the narrator and "uninvolved" protagonist of The Quiet American, slowly but steadily begins to see the monster that is the innocent Alden Pyle. It is in fact Pyle's innocence that makes him a monster—in Fowler's point of view. Pyle's on a mission to better the Indochina with Democracy and a "Third Force" that can do what the colonialists and communists cannot. Fowler's "call" to do something about this monster comes late in the story, but the action steadily builds towards it.
Dream Stage
Fowler slowly discerns Pyle's real designs and the danger of his innocence. Early on, Fowler is not terribly worried about Pyle as a threat to life and limb. He's more concerned with the American's intentions toward his mistress, Phuong. Pyle's devotion to Democracy and a Third Force is, for Fowler, a source of amusement.
Frustration Stage
Fowler finally witnesses Pyle's destructive power when a bomb explodes at public place, killing women and children. Pyle is on the scene, blood on his shoe, shocked but entirely unremorseful in his innocence and belief that the people died for a good cause. Fowler tries and fails to reason with Pyle.
Nightmare Stage
Fowler cannot control Pyle and he cannot make him see the error of his ways. He believes he has only two options before him: do nothing or do something. Throughout the novel he's done nothing. He hasn't taken sides. He hasn't gotten involved. Fowler believes he can no longer stay on the sidelines and remain human, so he helps orchestrate Pyle's assassination.
The Thrilling Escape from Death, and Death of the Monster
Pyle is murdered. Fowler is free of the monster, has his lover back, and suffers no further competition for her commitment. Happy ending, right? Not so fast. Fowler has participated in a man's murder. As you might expect, he's affected by guilt. Plus his motives were never pure.