Plot Embryo

The October issue of Wired has a feature on Dan Harmon, writer and creator of the sitcom Community. While I'm not familiar with Harmon or the sitcom, I found the article interesting because it expounded on Harmon's concept of a plot "embryo", as pictured above.

As the article explains, Harmon calls the concept an embryo because it "contain[s] all the elements needed for a satisfying story," and I must agree that it's an elegant deconstruction of any story's plot. The components are as follows:

1. A character is in a zone of comfort.
2. But they want something.
3. They enter into an unfamiliar situation.
4. Adapt to it.
5. Get what they wanted.
6. Pay a heavy price for it.
7. Then return to their familiar situation.
8. Having changed.

Certainly, this is food for thought that anyone fond of literature can appreciate.

(And, well, if you happen to be a fan of Community, then by all means check out the article, too.)