20 Basic Plots
THE QUEST: the Protagonist's search for a person, place or thing, tangible or intangible (but must be quantifiable, so think of this as a noun; i.e. immortality)
ADVENTURE: the Protagonist searches for their fortune or destiny, and since these are never found at home, the Protagonist goes to search in a typically exotic or strange locale.
PURSUIT: hide-and-seek, one or more characters chasing one another.
RESCUE: the Protagonist searches for someone or something, typically involving three main characters - the Protagonist, the Victim and the Antagonist.
ESCAPE: a Protagonist confined against their will who wants to escape.
REVENGE: retaliation by Protagonist or Antagonist against the other for real or imagined injury.
THE RIDDLE: the Protagonist's search for clues to find the hidden meaning of something in question that is deliberately enigmatic or ambiguous.
RIVALRY: plot involves Protagonist competing for same object or goal against the Antagonist.
UNDERDOG: a protagonist competes for an object or goal at a great disadvantage and faced with overwhelming odds.
TEMPTATION: a protagonist is induced or persuaded to do something that is unwise, wrong or immoral.
METAMORPHOSIS: the physical characteristics of the Protagonist change from one form to another (may symbolically reflect inner psychological identity).
TRANSFORMATION: the process of change in the Protagonist as they journey through a stage of life, moving from one significant character state to another.
MATURATION: the Protagonist faces a problem that is part of growing up, and from dealing with it, emerges into a state of adulthood (going from innocence to experience).
LOVE: the Protagonist overcomes obstacles that complicate an intimate or true romantic relationship.
FORBIDDEN LOVE: plot involves Protagonist(s) overcoming obstacles created by social mores and taboos, and sometimes finding it at too high a price to live with.
SACRIFICE: the Protagonist acts are motivated by a higher purpose (concept) such as love, honor, charity or for the sake of humanity.
WRETCHED EXCESS: the Protagonist, either by choice or by accident, pushes the limits of acceptable behavior to the extreme and is forced to deal with the consequences (generally deals with the psychological decline of the character).
ASCENT: rags-to-riches plot deals with the rise (success) of Protagonist due to a dominating character trait that helps them to succeed.
DESCENT: riches-to-rags plot deals with the fall (destruction) of Protagonist due to dominating character trait that eventually destroys their success.
DISCOVERY: the most character-centered of all. The Protagonist overcomes a personal or drastic change, and discovers something important within them, a better purpose, understanding, or appreciation of life.