Can Two Stories Share Identical Plots Without Being Considered Plagiarism?

In the realm of literature and cinema, it is a common phenomenon for two stories to share the same, or very similar, plots. This raises the question: can two stories have identical plots without one being seen as a plagiarized copy of the other? The answer lies in how an author treats the plot and the characters.

Characterization and Treatment: A Crucial Difference

Take, for example, Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula. The storyline, setting, and key events are well-known. However, fans of horror literature have a lesser-known alternative in Fred Saberhagen's The Dracula Tape. Saberhagen's novel offers a unique take by presenting the narrative from Count Dracula's viewpoint, contrasting him with the superstitious zealot Van Helsinger. While Stoker got the superficial facts about the vampire's existence correct, his portrayal of the characters and their motivations often clashed with the character development in Saberhagen's book. The two stories, though sharing the same plot, could hardly be more divergence in terms of the approach and treatment of their characters.

Hollywood's Art of Replicating Success: The Universal Horror Formula

The film industry often employs repeating successful formulas to ensure box office success. Let's take a look at how the plot of Dracula by Bram Stoker was successfully adapted into various movies. In 1931, Universal Pictures released Dracula starring Bela Lugosi, with the basic premise of a supernatural monster revived after centuries of isolation. A similar story was then used for their 1932 film, The Mummy. Though the plot structure was almost identical, The Mummy focused on an Egyptian mummy brought to life by an archeologist, which led to a different set of characters and a varying outcome. The plot of both films followed a familiar formula, but the differences in character development and narrative structure made them distinct stories.

Imitation as a Form of Praise: The Beethoven Biopic and Filmmaking Innovation

The biopic of Beethoven, titled Immortal Beloved, is another example of a film that borrowed from another source. The movie's structure is based on Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. Immortal Beloved begins with Beethoven's death, followed by flashbacks and interviews with women rumored to be his "immortal beloved." While the overall structure of the movie mirrors Citizen Kane, this does not necessarily equate to plagiarism. The story was crafted in a way that celebrated the life of Beethoven and created a narrative that brought the public closer to understanding his works and personal life.

The Elegance of the Plagiarism Question

So, can two stories share the same plot? The answer hinges on the character development and the way those characters' stories are told. Identical plots can coexist under different authorial treatments. In The Dracula Tape, Fred Saberhagen's approach to the character of Dracula fundamentally changed the story, making it entirely distinct and more engaging.

The Universal horror series and the biopic Immortal Beloved show the power of adaptation and the importance of the author's touch. An author can tell the same story in a unique way, creating a fresh experience for the audience. It becomes a question of originality in execution rather than the plot itself. Plot is but a scaffold upon which a story can be built. It's the characters, their motivations, and their journeys that make a story truly unique and memorable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while identical plots can exist in literature and cinema, it is the treatment and development of characters, as well as the overall narrative structure, that set one story apart from another. The key lies in how an author interprets and enhances the basic plot, making it their own. This allows stories with identical plots to remain distinct and valuable, rather than being considered instances of plagiarism.