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 the Call
From the introduction of Eddie and his sense of doom through the period where the John Galt Line is built
In this stage we learn that something is very wrong, although what that is remains mysterious. We meet our main players and they all embark on a quest to save Colorado from economic destruction.
The Dream Stage
The John Galt Line opens successfully and Hank and Dagny explore their new relationship on a vacation. They also find a revolutionary motor and set out to find its inventor.
Things are more hopeful in this period after the success of Dagny's John Galt Line. Hank and Dagny start a relationship and embark on a new quest after they find the motor. However, dread still lurks in the background and soon enters the narrative again.
The Frustration Stage
Ellis Wyatt's disappearance until Dagny crashes her plane and learns of Galt's strike
Things go from bad to worse for our heroes here. People disappear and Hank and Dagny suffer increasing trials. Dagny crashes in Atlantis and has her world flipped upside down when she learns about the strike, which she bring herself to join just yet. Hank is also thrown off-kilter with a series of realizations about his personal life.
Nightmare Stage
From the time Dagny leaves Atlantis until Galt's torture
Things get worse for everyone after Dagny leaves Atlantis. Though she begins a relationship with Galt, they cannot be together. Hank finally leaves for Atlantis and Dagny suffers alone after Galt's capture. The country's downfall is fast approaching.
Thrilling Escape from Death and the Death of the Monster
From Galt's rescue until the end
Our heroes save Galt and escape to Atlantis as the country descends into chaos and darkness, signaling that the "looters" have been defeated.