These plots prioritize the "what happens next" over internal character shifts.
: A hero must save a victim from an antagonist, often involving a character triangle (e.g., The Searchers ). 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 ). These plots prioritize the "what happens next" over
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 often involving a character triangle (e.g.