The plot of the Beautyful Ones are Not Yet Born is structured as follows:

Exposition: The novel begins with the introduction of the nameless protagonist, whose morals prevent him from participating in the widespread corruption of Ghanian society.

Rising action: As the novel progresses, it is clear that the man's scruples are out of line with those of his peers. His wife is angry that he has refused to take a bribe, since they could have used the money. He visits his friend Teacher, with whom he discusses the corruption in Ghana. Teacher observes that it might be more criminal to resist corruption than to go along with it. Finally, the man hosts a dinner for his old friend Koomson, who has grown rich through a government post; the man is ashamed of his poverty.

Climax: A coup forces a change in the Ghanian government, and suddenly Koomson's fortunes change for the worse. Pursued by the new government, Koomson comes to the man and asks him to hide him. The man is struck by Koomson's sudden fall from wealth.

Falling action: The man helps Koomson by hiding him in his bedroom. When the authorities come looking for Koomson, the man helps Koomson escape via the public latrine, which had been a symbol of the man's poverty.

Resolution: The man helps Koomson escape to a boat. Even though his friend is safe, the novel ends with the sense that nothing has really changed with the coup, and the man will go back to life as he has always known it.