Master Plots: And How To Build Them: 20

: 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 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

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 : A story fueled by moral outrage where

: A hero must save a victim from an antagonist, often involving a character triangle (e.g., The Searchers ). Tobias argues that while there are millions of

: The protagonist is usually unjustly imprisoned and must find a way to break free (e.g., The Great Escape ).

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

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