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
Stephen Rojack is separated from his wife Deborah, a wealthy heiress. This seriously bums him out—so much so, in fact, that he's currently standing on a roof, contemplating suicide. Rojack manages to resist this temptation, though, instead rushing over to Deborah's apartment.
Dream Stage
Although things start out friendly enough, the married couple quickly starts fighting. This pushes Rojack over the edge and he strangles Deborah to death. After hooking up with Deborah's maid, Rojack throws Deb's body out of the window to make it look like a suicide. Although the police are suspicious, Rojack manages to escape without any charges. He also happens to meet a super-fine blonde nightclub singer named Cherry, whom he (also) hooks up with.
Frustration Stage
Rojack and Cherry's romantic bliss is interrupted by the sudden entrance of Shago Martin, a famous musician who happens to be Cherry's ex-bae. Oops. Rojack and Shago fight, but Rojack wins handily. Unfortunately, Rojack doesn't have any time to bask in the glory of his victory, though, because he has an appointment with Barney Kelly, Deborah's mega-rich and mega-powerful daddy.
Nightmare Stage
Things get crazy at Kelly's apartment. After a warm greeting, Kelly reveals a shocking truth: He and Deborah had a brief affair. This infuriates Rojack so much that he admits to killing Deborah. Somehow, Kelly convinces Rojack to walk along his porch's guardrail, thinking that a drunk like Rojack will surely plummet to his death. Rojack manages to escape unscathed, though, giving Kelly a nice smack in the face for good measure on the way out.
Destruction or Death Wish Stage
Rojack returns to Cherry's apartment, confident in his belief that life is about to get way better. Unfortunately, Cherry has been murdered—probably by one of Shago's friends. Devastated, Rojack drives to Las Vegas, where he spends a bit of time before heading down to South America.