In the Overcoming the Monster plot, the story starts with the introduction of a formidable entity, a monster that embodies evil, fear, hostility, and danger, and represents the dark and flawed aspects of human nature. The monster can be a non-human entity with human traits or a human with non-human traits, but it is always seen as less than fully human. It poses a threat to everything in its path and is a destructive force.
The three types of monster
Active: actively seeks out victims
Passive: guards an elixir and destroys anything that approaches
Avenger: driven by pursuit and revenge
A Clash of Values
Throughout the story, the protagonist must contrast with the monster in terms of their motivations and values. They must act selflessly and for a greater cause, while the monster is driven by personal gain and selfishness. Despite the monster’s strength and malevolence, they have a crucial weakness that makes them vulnerable to defeat. This weakness is often a result of the monster’s narrow-minded focus, which blinds them to potential threats. The protagonist must exploit this weakness to overcome the monster and triumph in the story.
A Growing Threat
The monster gradually emerges as a formidable presence, causing fear and threatening destruction. The community, country, kingdom, or world it affects is already in a terrible state. The monster holds a valuable prize, the elixir, which only the protagonist can retrieve. The protagonist must slay the monster and end its reign of terror. The protagonist (and any other main characters) initially live in relative comfort and enjoy immunity from the monster’s powers. However, the protagonist hears a call to action and sets out to find the monster, gathering weapons in order to face it in an inevitable confrontation.
The Protagonist's Last Stand
The protagonist, seemingly insignificant against the monster’s great power, faces near-certain defeat. But, at the climax of the story, a dramatic reversal occurs – the protagonist overcomes the monster, delivering a fatal blow and overthrowing its dark power.
The Protagonist's Triumph
The previously threatened community is liberated from the monster. This allows the protagonist to triumphantly claim their reward, such as treasure, love, or a throne.
Comments