#3484. The Sympathetic Plot, Its Psychological Origins, and Implications for the Evolution of Fiction

October 2026publication date
Proposal available till 26-05-2025
4 total number of authors per manuscript0 $

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Journal’s subject area:
Social Psychology;
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous);
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology;
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Abstract:
The sympathetic plot is ubiquitous. First, it triggers mechanisms for learning about obstacles and how to overcome them. It builds interest by confronting a protagonist with a problem and induces satisfaction when the problem is solved. Second, it evokes sympathetic joy. It establishes the protagonist as an ideal cooperative partner pursuing a goal, appealing to mechanisms for helping. The capacities underlying the sympathetic plot evolved for learning and cooperation before being co-opted for entertainment.
Keywords:
empathy; evolution; fiction; pleasure; sympathy; universals

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