Plotting the Quest Novel, Dora Style

by Jill Williamson

Like it or not, formulas can work very well. The trick is to know how to twist the plot so that the formula’s cliché isn't recognizable. That’s not the case with the children’s cartoon Dora the Explorer. My kids both loved watching Dora, so I've seen dozens of episodes, and it’s the same thing every time.

But it has a lesson to offer writers, and I wanted to share it with you. The plot of each Dora the Explorer episode offers the perfect quest formula. Let’s take a look and see why in this episode called Treasure Island.

Beginning: Meet the cast

At the start of every episode, we meet Dora and her friend Boots the Monkey, who is her trusty sidekick. We also meet another guest character, a different one each time. In this example, we meet Pirate Parrot.

Inciting incident

In meeting the guest character, Dora encounters a problem or opportunity—a quest which requires her to travel to a location to meet her new goal. In the Treasure Island episode, Pirate Parrot asks Dora if she’s heard of the blue key. Dora and Boots decide to look for the blue key, which happens to be in a tree branch above their heads. Now that they have the key, they’re ready for adventure!

The map 

The map lays out the journey

In every episode of Dora the Explorer, before they start their adventure, Dora calls for her map. Her words to the viewer? “Who do we ask for help when we don’t know which way to go? The map. That’s right.”

The map states the story goal: find the treasure chest, which is on Treasure Island. The map also tells the viewer how to get there: First you have to go past the lookout tree, then across Crocodile Lake, then you’ll get to Treasure Island. The actual map is on the screen and shows each location clearly. This sets out the coming journey clearly for the viewer. We know what we’re in for!

Dora and Boots repeat the quest agenda: “Tree, lake, Treasure Island!” And off they go. And this is the Climax of act one. Dora makes her choice to accept the quest and the journey begins. As they go, they sing a song that repeats the quest agenda: “Tree, lake, Treasure Island! Where are we going? Treasure Island!”

Obstacles

The first obstacle in any Dora episode is Swiper the Fox. He always tries to steal whatever object Dora needs for the end of her journey. In this case, it’s the blue key. But Swiper always fails his first attempt.

Dora and Boots make it to their first map destination, Lookout Tree, but they've got to get past the icky sticky mud. They use the plank and succeed. Then they make it to their second destination, Crocodile Lake, but how with they get across? Their old friend Pirate Parrot shows up with a boat. Sweet!

Midpoint and a big twist

But as they’re going across Crocodile Lake on the boat, here come the crocodiles. Dora, who always knows what to do, tells the viewer that they need to sing to the crocodiles. They sing. But one Is getting closer. So they sing louder. And now the crocs are dancing. Excellent. Dora, Boots, and the Pirate Parrot get away. Whew! That was a close one.

Another obstacle

Now they've made it to the third destination on their map: Treasure Island. But Pirate Parrot tells them that only Pirate Pig knows where the treasure is. So off they go on a search for Pirate Pig.

Disaster

Swiper steals the key!

They find Pirate Pig and give him the key. They are so close to achieving their goal! But guess who shows up? Swiper the Fox. And he steals the key and hides it.

Climax of act two

Dora, Boots, Pirate Parrot, and Pirate Pig work together to find the key in the village.

Climax of act three

Pirate Pig tells them where he buried the treasure, but he needs help to find it. Dora and Boots help dig. They find the treasure and sing, “We did it!” Go team.

Wrap-up and end

Our heroes enjoy contents of treasure chest. They reminisce over the long journey it took to get to this place. Dora and Boots each recount their favorite part of the adventure.

And that’s that.

Things to note

Dora always reviews

1. Dora always states her story goal/agenda from the start of each episode.

2. Dora always gives us (the viewer) the map, so we know where we’re going.

3. Dora reviews her goals and the next step throughout the story, which gives us (the viewer) a sense of how far Dora has come and how much farther she has to go.

4. All of this together gives us (the viewer) a sense of adventure and movement.

Types of quests

There are a few reoccurring types of quests that we see again and again in stories.

1. Finding something (stolen, lost, necessary, or valuable—check character motive as to why he or she is setting out to find this thing. Is he looking to save his people? Get rich? Earn honor? Save his land?)

2. Rescuing those who were lost or taken

3. Capturing a foe

4. Conquering an opposition

Well, we got to the end of this blog post. We did it! Hooray! *Jill sings and dances* LOL

Thoughts on this concept? Do you see how you could pull out the formula elements and plug in a National Treasure or Lord of the Rings-type plot? Try it.

Next time you get stuck babysitting and have to watch a children’s show, look at it as an assignment from me. See if you can find it’s formula and recognize why it works so well.