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 : Rags to Riches
Initial wretchedness at home and the 'Call'
Carrie may have left her parents' home with dreams of adventure and excitement in the big city, but she's only met with gloom and struggle when she gets to her sister's apartment in Chicago. And working in a shoe factory isn't exactly the glamorous life she'd imagined for herself.
Out into the world, initial success
Carrie leaves her sister Minnie's place, and moves in with Drouet who takes her on shopping sprees. She also discovers she has mad acting chops (no more manual labor for this girl), and she falls head-over-heels for the rich and charming Hurstwood.
Central Crisis
It turns out Hurstwood is a big liar: he somehow "forgot" to mention to Carrie that he was married. Things only get worse when he essentially kidnaps her and pressures her into marrying him, and the duo eventually winds up in NYC, where their relationship really sours (along with the economy). Shackled to an unemployed Hurstwood, Carrie feels like she's about to be dragged into poverty.
Independence and the final ordeal
Watch out Broadway, here comes Carrie. Carrie leaves Hurstwood and works her way up from chorus girl to full-fledged star.
Final union, completion, and fulfillment
Uh, yeah, about this one: Despite her wild success, Carrie is so not fulfilled at the end (which is actually an interesting twist on this plot type). We leave her sad and alone in a rocking chair.