Motif and Type Index

[jeregenest]

So in considering the type of game I'll be running I've been developing a Motif and Type Index, a cool little tool from folklore and lit crit that I rather like to use. Input desired.


Plot Types

• The Spy goes over
  
• The big job
  
• The hero as victim
  
• Journey into fear
  
• To catch a spy

Characteristic Episodes (motifs)

Initial ennui

• Assassination (attempted assassination)
  
• Abduction
  
• Close call
  
• Confrontation
  
• Disguise
  
• Disguised encounter/confrontation
  
• Narrow escape
  
• Chase
  
• Evasion
  
• On the run
  
• Capture
  
• Interrogation
  
• Torture
  
• The drop
  
• Exchange
  
• The plant
  
• Planted misinformation
  
• Doubling/turning
  
• Turnabout (the hunted becomes hunter)
  
• Betrayal
  
• Counterspying
  
• The tag

Dramatis Personae

• The Hero’s Company
  
  • The hero agent
    
  • Control
    
  • Control’s immediate subordinates
    
  • Control’s satellites
    
  • Romantic interest
  
  
• The Adversary’s Company
  
  • Enemy agent
    
  • Enemy control
    
  • Enemy control’s henchman
    
  • Enemy agency entourage or natives of country hostile to hero
    
  • False romantic interest
  
  
• Ambiguous Personae
  
  • Defectors (can defect to either side)
    
  • Double Agents
    
  • Plants (whose ultimate loyalties may not be apparent)
  
  
• Neutrals
  
  • Neutrals may initially have innocent intentions but are usually exploited by one side or the other and eventually become unwilling helpers or dupes