Master Plots: And How To Build Them | 20

These plots center on how characters change, grow, or deteriorate. 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them by Ronald B. Tobias

: A "hide-and-seek" story centered on a chase, where one character pursues another (e.g., Jaws , Duel ).

: Similar to rivalry, but the hero faces overwhelming odds or a much more powerful opponent (e.g., Joan of Arc ). Plots of the Mind (Internal Focus) 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them

: The protagonist leaves home in search of fortune or a mission; the journey itself is the focus (e.g., Raiders of the Lost Ark ).

In his book Ronald B. Tobias argues that while there are millions of stories, there are only twenty basic plot structures that serve as the "bread and butter" of Western storytelling. He categorizes these plots into two main types: Action Plots , which focus on external events and physical movement, and Plots of the Mind , which focus on internal character development and psychological change. The 20 Master Plots These plots center on how characters change, grow,

: A mystery or "whodunit" where the protagonist must solve a puzzle or uncover a hidden meaning (e.g., Agatha Christie stories ).

: A story fueled by moral outrage where a character seeks retribution for a past injury (e.g., Hamlet , Death Wish ). : Similar to rivalry, but the hero faces

These plots prioritize the "what happens next" over internal character shifts.