20 Master Plots: And How To Build Them May 2026

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

: Two characters of comparable strength compete for the same goal or object (e.g., Ben-Hur ). 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them

: A story fueled by moral outrage where a character seeks retribution for a past injury (e.g., Hamlet , Death Wish ). These plots center on how characters change, grow,

: A hero must save a victim from an antagonist, often involving a character triangle (e.g., The Searchers ). : A story fueled by moral outrage where

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

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)

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