These plots center on how characters change, grow, or deteriorate. 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them by Ronald B. Tobias
: The protagonist is usually unjustly imprisoned and must find a way to break free (e.g., The Great Escape ).
: A mystery or "whodunit" where the protagonist must solve a puzzle or uncover a hidden meaning (e.g., Agatha Christie stories ). 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them
: Two characters of comparable strength compete for the same goal or object (e.g., Ben-Hur ).
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,
: 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)
: A story fueled by moral outrage where a character seeks retribution for a past injury (e.g., Hamlet , Death Wish ). : A mystery or "whodunit" where the protagonist
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)