The Sympathetic Plot, Its Psychological Origins, and Implications for the Evolution of Fiction

The sympathetic plot—featuring a goal-directed protagonist who confronts obstacles, overcomes them, and wins rewards—is ubiquitous. Here, I propose that it recurs because entertains, engaging two sets of psychological mechanisms. First, triggers mechanisms for learning about obstacles how to overcome them. It builds interest by confronting with problem induces satisfaction when the is solved. Second, evokes joy. establishes as an ideal cooperative partner pursuing goal, appealing helping. When succeeds, they receive rewards, audiences feel joy, emotion normally triggered beneficiaries triumph. capacities underlying plot evolved cooperation before being co-opted entertainment.