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 :
Voyage and Return
Anticipation Stage and "Fall" into the Other World
When we first meet Lucius, he is as vulnerable as a puppy. He's young and totally naïve when it comes to things like stealing and lying, not to mention sex. Lucius has limited life experiences, so when he falls for Boon's ploy, he falls hard.
Initial Fascination
Lucius is initially fascinated by Boon's call to adventure. It offers him a thrilling chance to travel to a place he's been before (Memphis) through a new means of transportation (the car). Though Lucius doesn't feel he is wholly responsible for his choices—Non-virtue appears to be dictating his fate—he is intrigued by the adventures that may await him should he choose to help Boon steal the car.
Frustration Stage
Reality sets in, and Lucius becomes frustrated with the fact that he has been telling more lies than he feels he is capable of telling. He is also frustrated that he will have to cover one lie with another lie, and continue on the bad path of lying.
Nightmare Stage
Though Lucius isn't sure what he was supposed to expect from his travels with Boon, he does know that things have gone horribly wrong. His grandfather's car has been traded for a stolen racehorse, he's participated in smuggling, he's gotten into a fight with another boy, the horse has lost its races, and now the horse has been imprisoned along with Ned and Boon. Lucius certainly falls into a spiraling nightmare, but has he wholly made a mistake in agreeing to accompany Boon?
Thrilling Escape and Return
Just when it all appears to be too much to bear, Lucius finds his escape. The horse wins a race, Grandfather appears, and in no time at all, they all return home. Lucius learns about growing up, and is able to see that though the world can contain corrupt, it abounds in goodness as well. Lucius has fundamentally changed as a result of his formative experiences.