20 Master Plots: And How To Build Them Page

: A hero must save a victim from an antagonist, often involving a character triangle (e.g., The Searchers ).

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

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

These plots prioritize the "what happens next" over internal character shifts. : A hero must save a victim from

: A mystery or "whodunit" where the protagonist must solve a puzzle or uncover a hidden meaning (e.g., Agatha Christie stories ).

: A "hide-and-seek" story centered on a chase, where one character pursues another (e.g., Jaws , Duel ). Tobias : Two characters of comparable strength compete

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)