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 or home and the 'Call'
Pudd'nhead Wilson's reputation in Dawson's Landing is shot after he makes a remark that the town folk have deemed idiotic. As a result, the dude can't get his law career off the ground. Pudd'nhead isn't poor in the financial sense so much as he is in the spiritual sense given that his life's ambition is to be a kick-butt lawyer.
Out into the World, initial success
Little by little, Pudd'nhead proves himself worthy of the town's respect. Judge Driscoll includes him in Freethinkers Society, he's asked to run for mayor, and he serves as a backup fighter in the duel, which helps him win the mayoral race. You go, Pudd'nhead.
The central crisis
It looks like Pudd'nhead has finally gotten his big chance to redeem himself when he takes on the case of defending the twins in their murder trial. This is the Big Leagues, for sure. The only problem? The case looks super desperate.
Independence and the final ordeal
Just when things seem bleakest, Pudd'nhead discovers some new info that helps him figure out that Tom is the real murderer. Of course, he still needs to convince the court of his case. But don't worry—he does a stellar job of that.
Final union, completion, and fulfillment
Pudd'nhead is basically hailed as The Man of Dawson's Landing. The town retires his nickname and his future legal career becomes a sure thing. Again, the "riches" Pudd'nhead achieves are more in the way of gaining an inner sense of self-worth and fulfillment rather than having a new BMW parked in his driveway.