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
Vindice is deeply unsatisfied at the beginning of the play because he's been waiting nine years for revenge for the death of his fiancée. When Hippolito announces that he's found an opportunity for Vindice to work for Lussurioso, Vindice sees a way to get closer to the Duke—and to his revenge.
Dream Stage
Vindice starts working for Lussurioso, and this leads to a chance to work for the Duke. Vindice is able to use the Duke's request to arrange an illicit date to plan his revenge. The revenge goes off without a hitch, and Vindice also convinces his mother to change her mind and support Castiza's pro-chastity views. He's even able to cover his tracks and plan revenge on Lussurioso. They don't call it the Dream Stage for nothing, and things are coming up roses for Vindice here.
Frustration Stage
Vindice pretty much skips this stage. Everything continues to go very well for him as he schemes to kill Lussurioso and then does so during the masque in the final act. It's a bonus for him that the Duke's family kill each other off, leaving the much more virtuous Antonio in charge.
Nightmare Stage
The play pretty much skips this, too, from Vindice's perspective—things keep going well for him until about the last page. It's kind of a nightmare from the perspective of anyone in the Duke's family, however, but they're the bad guys, so consider it comeuppance.
Destruction or Death Wish Stage
This happens all at once at the very end of the play, when Vindice and Hippolito reveal that they killed the (old) Duke, and Antonio decides they must be executed. They take it pretty calmly, overall, saying that at least they achieved their revenge and saw their mother repent and support Castiza.