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 : Tragedy
Anticipation Stage and Fall into the Other World: A Gentlemen's Agreement
When Henry and York reach an agreement in London, it seems, for a brief moment, like everything might turn out all right. These dudes have just come from a battle, and they've decided that it's time to put an end to this whole warfare thing. They think back to the rules they learned in kindergarten about sharing: first, Henry gets to play with the crown, then, after Henry buys the farm, York and his fam get play with it.
Initial Fascination or Dream Stage: Peace at Last
Finally, a little room to breathe. York returns to—where else?—York, while Henry kicks it at his palace, which is no longer under threat. The news of the little agreement comes as quite a shock to everyone else: Margaret thinks it's just about the dumbest idea she's ever heard, while Richard and Edward cautiously (and craftily) question whether Henry will hold up his end of the deal.
Frustration Stage: This Means War
Just like that, peace is over. York decides he doesn't want to just twiddle his thumbs and wait for Henry to croak. That could take forever, right? On top of that, Margaret won't stand for Henry cutting her son off from his rightful inheritance.
Nightmare Stage: Who Knew War Wasn't Just a Bunch of Rousing Speeches?
Alliances are questioned, allegiances are switched, and a whole lot of people die. Margaret and Warwick make a bid for their armies against Edward and his troops. Again and again, father and son trek out to the battlefield and kill each other. Thousands die. No one seems to care, because it's the crown at stake, after all.
Thrilling Escape and Return: All Hail King Edward… For Now
Eventually, Edward's side wins. We're not given all the deets, but at least we have a clear winner this time. Edward celebrates with his new wife and son, and he naively declares that there will be nothing but parties from here on out. Lurking in the shadows, Richard murders Henry and claims Edward will be next.
To be continued... in Richard III.