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 : Comedy
Confusion Begins
From the start of the novel until Maria's marriage to Mr. Rushworth.
In this stage, no one seems to know what other people want. Everyone debates whether or not Sir Thomas would allow them to do certain things, and everyone is falling in love out of control and fretting over whether or not their chosen person loves them back. A number of love triangles, and even quadrangles, emerge.
Confusion Worsens
After Maria's marriage until news of her scandalous affair with Henry breaks.
Life gets much more confusing for our main characters as they continue to have lots of trouble with love. Fanny, in particular, is tormented by Henry's marriage proposals and by her knowledge of Edmund's hot and cold relationship with Mary.
Confusion Ends
From Fanny's return from Portsmouth until the end of the novel.
The narrator fills us in on everyone's motives and actions and all the romantic relationships are resolved in some form or fashion.