This document summarizes Christopher Booker's theory of the seven basic plots in storytelling. It discusses each of the seven plots - overcoming the monster, rags to riches, the quest, voyage and return, comedy, tragedy, and rebirth. For each plot, it provides a synopsis and typical examples. It also discusses how all stories incorporate universal elements of a hero's journey from an initial state of lack to a final resolution or transformation. The document concludes with prompting students to identify which plot their own writing incorporates and to outline or write a scene for their story.