Write a post in which you use Abbott and Keen to describe the concept of the masterplot or stock story. Then use these concepts as a lens for analyzing at least one masterplot or stock story that we encountered in our reading so far: what stock story? what are its characteristics? how is being deployed in your chosen example?

The most obvious masterplot/stock story that I was able to pull out from Arthur & George was that of the common individual who was wrongfully persecuted for a crime. Most often, this whole scenario is caused by some sort of prejudice against the individual in question. While the main example of this situation in the book, was of George who was charged with slaughtering farm animals and harassing his own family. Along with this, there were some possibilities of him being a part of a gang. George’s case was synonymous with the others that were referenced as Arthur’s other people that he ‘rioted’ and fought for. Any time he read about a case that he found to be misrepresented or felt like justice wasn’t served politically correctly (prejudice), he stepped in. All these cases were similarly structured which is why they can be considered a masterplot. It starts with an individual who does not quite fit in and is a little different from everyone else. The local police keep an eye on him for any suspicious behavior as he grows up. A violent and unexplainable crime happens around where that individual lives and the police consider him a suspect just to be safe and because they have always been watching him. As evidence starts coming in, the police start to influence/see a connection that leans more towards the individual which leads to the decision that it has to be them. Then the individual goes to court and even though the evidence is kind of circumstantial, they are found guilty and put in jail. This narrative/ masterplot applies to George and many situations, not even just those that are in this book, because it is common tale. Very similar to the underdog type story. Additionally, on some stories, there is a hero (in this case it was Arthur) that comes in protesting and testifying for the individual and helps them get to the freedom that they deserve. While all these stories are parallel, they have some differences which makes them unique and exciting including the individuals, the crimes, and the more specific details.