1. American Westerns
Classical Plot

2. George Catlin

3. Classical Plot The hero enters a social group.
2. The hero is unknown to the society.
3. The hero is revealed to have an exceptional ability.

4. Classical Plot
4. The society recognizes a difference between themselves and the hero; the hero is given a special status. 5. The society does not completely accept the hero.

5. Classical Plot
6. There is a conflict of interests between the villains and the society. 7. The villains are stronger than the society; the society is weak.

6. Classical Plot
8. There is a strong friendship or respect between the hero and a villain.
The villains threaten the society.

7. Classical Plot 10. The hero avoids involvement in the conflict.
The villains endanger a friend of the hero.
The hero fights the villains.

8. Classical Plot
13. The hero defeats the villains.
The society is safe.

9. Classical Plot The society accepts the hero.
The hero loses or gives up on his special status.

10. Western Plot Types Union Pacific story Ranch story Empire story
Revenge story
Calvary and Indians story
Outlaw story
Marshal story

11. Classical Plot
Wright, Will. “The Structure of the Western Film.” Six Guns and Society. Berkeley: Univ. of California Press, Print.

12. Western Plot Types
Simpson, Paul. The Rough Guide to Westerns. London: Penguin, Print