20 Master Plots: And How To Build Them Guide

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 character seeks retribution for a past injury (e.g., Hamlet , Death Wish ). 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

: Two characters of comparable strength compete for the same goal or object (e.g., Ben-Hur ). The 20 Master Plots : A story fueled

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

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)