This site explains the idea of archtypes and "the Hero's Journey" prevalent in myths and many adventure stories. James Campbell wrote The Hero With a Thousand Faces, using the hero journey pattern of departure, initiation, return. Lucas...

A slide show with twenty-one slides explaining elements of plot including: characters, setting, exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.

"The Bloody Chamber" is a collection of modern fairy tales, many of which incorporate elements of Gothic literature. Greg Buzwell traces the Gothic influence on Carter's stories, from the Marquis de Sade to Edgar Allan Poe.