Plot Archetypes List

Below is a list of the twenty plot archetypes discussed in Ronald B. Tobias's 20 Master Plots.  Check out the book for a complete treatment of each.  This list is just to serve as a quick reference during plotting.

• The Quest: The Hero searches for a person, place or thing. Character-driven.
• The Adventure: A Hero in search of fortune makes a foray into a new world. Plot-driven.
• The Pursuit: A chase. Pursuer(s) may be either Heroes or Villains. Plot-driven.
• The Rescue: A Hero saves a Victim from a Villain. Plot-driven.
• The Escape: The Hero/Victim escapes from the Villain. Plot-driven.
• Revenge: The Hero seeks revenge against the Villain for real or imagined injuries. Plot-driven, but with stronger character development.
• The Riddle: The Hero attempts to unravel a riddle built on the difference between what has happened, and what seems to have happened. This story challenges the reader to solve the riddle before the hero. Plot-driven.
• Rivalry: An irresistible force meets an unmovable object. Character-driven.
• The Underdog: A rivalry where the Hero is outgunned by the Villain. Character-driven.
• Temptation: The Hero encounters temptation to go against his/her nature. Character-driven.
• The Metamorphosis: The Hero undergoes a physical change as a result of a curse, and is cured by love. Character-driven.
• The Transformation: The Hero journeys from one life chapter to another, often driven by unexpected circumstances. Character-driven.
• Maturation: Coming-of-age. A Hero with uncertain goals finds purpose by entering adulthood. Character-driven.
• Love: Two characters overcome obstacles preventing them from expressing their love for each other. Character-driven.
• Forbidden Love: Two characters must overcome the moral/physical conventions of their setting in order to express their love for each other. Character-driven.
• The Sacrifice: The Hero makes a great sacrifice, moving from a lower moral state to a higher one. Character-driven.
• The Discovery: The Hero discovers something great or terrible, and must make a difficult choice. Character-driven.
• Wretched Excess: The Anti-hero pushes the boundaries of acceptable behavior and must deal with the consequences. Character-driven.
• The Ascent: Rags to riches. A morally unsound Hero ascends to a morally sound state. Character-driven.
• The Descent: Riches to rags. A Morally sound person falls from grace. Character-driven.