And How To Build Them | 20 Master Plots:

: A story fueled by moral outrage where a character seeks retribution for a past injury (e.g., Hamlet , Death Wish ).

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

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 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them

: A hero must save a victim from an antagonist, often involving a character triangle (e.g., The Searchers ).

: 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

Tobias breaks down each plot into a three-act structure—Setup, Complication, and Resolution—providing specific checklists and examples from literature and film to help writers build their own versions. Action Plots (External Focus)

: 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) Tobias argues that while there are millions of

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