The document outlines 20 common plot types or stories including Quest, Adventure, Pursuit, Rescue, Revenge, Riddle, Rivalry, Underdog, Temptation, Metamorphosis, Transformation, Maturation, Love, Forbidden Love, Sacrifice, Discovery, Wretched Excess, Ascension, Descension. Each plot type is briefly defined in 1-3 sentences.

1. There are only
20 stories
(maybe)

2. Quest
The hero wants something,
brings it back, becomes
something else

3. Adventure
The hero goes on a journey,
amazing things happen,
no one changes much, though.

4. Pursuit
The bad guys are a#er the hero
and they’re
close.

5. Rescue
The hero must find and bring
back
someone who is precious.

6. Escape
The hero is trapped
and must get out
somehow...

7. Revenge
The hero has been wronged and
he wants to get back at someone,
no matter the cost.

8. Riddle
The hero has to solve a complex
problem
or else...

9. Rivalry
The hero competes against
someone similar for something
important.

10. Underdog
The hero stru$les
against the system and --against
the odds--makes a difference.

11. Temptation
Wanting something,
bringing it back, becoming
something else

12. Metamorphosis
The hero becomes something
else
something not rea'y human.

13. Transformation
The hero becomes something
else,
something internal.

14. Maturation
The hero starts out young,
unformed,
and events make the hero
an adult.

15. Love
Love needs obstacles or it isn’t
love.

16. Forbidden
Love
Society doesn’t want us to be
together.
Too bad, Society.

17. Sacrifice
What are you wi'ing to
give up?
Was it worth it?

18. Discovery
The hero finds out something
that changes everything

19. Wretched Excess
The hero gets everything he’s
ever wanted,
This is not a good thing.

20. Ascension and
Descension
The road up is the same one as
the road down.
--Heraclitis

21. The Plots
Quest Rivalry Love
Adventure Underdog Forb. Love
Pursuit Temptation Sacrifice
Rescue Metamorphosis Discovery
Escape Transformation Ascension
Revenge Maturation Descension
Riddle Wretched Excess