As Dan mentioned, there is no such thing as an original story. Narrative is something that I have been interested in for a long time, and I try and weave narrative into most of my work. Below is an outline if the seven basic storylines:
Overcoming the Monster: The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist’s homeland.
Examples: Hercules, Lord of the Rings, Princess Mononoke
Rags to Riches: The poor protagonist acquires things such as power, wealth, and a mate, before losing it all and gaining it back upon growing as a person.
Examples: Aladdin, Cinderella, Oliver Twist
The Quest: Protagonist learns of a great MacGuffin that he desperately wants to find, and sets out to find it, often with companions. Facing many obstacles and temptations along the way.
Examples: The Holy Grail, Lord of the Rings, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Saprtacus
Voyage and Return: The protagonist goes to a strange land and, after overcoming the threats it poses to him/her, returns with nothing but experience.
Examples: Alice in Wonderland, The Third Man, Spartacus
Comedy: The protagonists are destined to be in love, but something is keeping them from being together, which is resolved by the end of the story.
Examples: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bridget Jones Diary, Music and Lyrics, Sliding Doors, Mr Bean
Tragedy: The protagonist is a villain who falls from grace and whose death is a happy ending.
Examples: Bonnie and Clyde, Macbeth, The Great Gatsby
Rebirth: The protagonist is a villain or otherwise unlikable character who redeems him/herself over the course of the story.
Examples: A Christmas Carol, Lilo and Stitch
