20 Master Plots: And How To Build Them Review

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

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 prioritize the "what happens next" over internal character shifts. 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them

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

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) These plots center on how characters change, grow,

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

: A hero must save a victim from an antagonist, often involving a character triangle (e.g., The Searchers ). Tobias argues that while there are millions of

: Two characters of comparable strength compete for the same goal or object (e.g., Ben-Hur ).