: 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)
: The protagonist is usually unjustly imprisoned and must find a way to break free (e.g., The Great Escape ). 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 ). : Similar to rivalry, but the hero faces
These plots center on how characters change, grow, or deteriorate. 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them by Ronald B. Tobias These plots center on how characters change, grow,
: Two characters of comparable strength compete for the same goal or object (e.g., Ben-Hur ).
: 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. 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