: A story fueled by moral outrage where a character seeks retribution for a past injury (e.g., Hamlet , Death Wish ).
: A "hide-and-seek" story centered on a chase, where one character pursues another (e.g., Jaws , Duel ). 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 ). : A story fueled by moral outrage where
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,
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)
: A mystery or "whodunit" where the protagonist must solve a puzzle or uncover a hidden meaning (e.g., Agatha Christie stories ).