many of these can & will overlap — that’s okay! it only adds more depth and tension to your story
stories should have: a main plot — the central idea, includes initial trigger and primary obstacles, subplots — branch from the main plot; less important but do affect the events of the story, and parallel plots — occur away from the reader’s view but affect the main plot
⤑ protagonist sets on a journey through a new world usually filled with constant danger and action; they will endure an evolvement of their understanding of reality
⤑ protagonist undergoes successive changes as a result of events; shows the character rising to be a better person or in a higher position
⤑ protagonist undergoes successive changes as a result of events; shows the character falling to be a worse person or in a lower position
⤑ protagonist discovers something important and hidden about themselves or their surroundings
⤑ protagonist is held against their will and tries to get out
⤑ protagonist(s) develop romantic feelings for someone they cannot be with due to external factors; may or may not overcome these obstacles
⤑ protagonist(s) develop romantic feelings for someone, overcoming any obstacles that may stand in their way of being together
⤑ protagonist evolves from a state of innocence into a state of wisdom; usually refers to childhood into adulthood
⤑ protagonist physically evolves into another form; represents their inner changes
⤑ protagonist sets out to defeat the antagonist; will usually be against the odds to win, but the protagonist overcomes these obstacles to eventually be victorious; the monster can be anything really — actual beast, villain, system, circumstance, etc.
⤑ one character chases the other (protagonist pursuing the antagonist or vise versa)
⤑ protagonist searches for ~something~ which takes them on a journey of wonderment, temptation, and obstacles in order to accomplish their goal; this something can be anything, but it must be profound enough for them to take the risks
⤑ a generally insignificant person (often maltreated and dejected) undergoes amelioration to become extraordinary; usually through a hidden talent or secret of some sort
⤑ the protagonist is a generally unlikable character who eventually redeems themselves through the course of the story
⤑ protagonist searches for someone or something the antagonist has taken; usually the antagonist places obstacles the protagonist must overcome
⤑ protagonist retaliates against antagonist
⤑ protagonist searches for the hidden meaning of something ambiguous
⤑ protagonist competes against someone who shares their goal; usually these characters will have similar ability levels
⤑ protagonist tests their limits in order to achieve their goal, losing cherished items, people, or morals along the way
⤑ protagonist is persuaded to do something against their moral code
⤑ the protagonist’s downfall is a cause for celebration; typically they will have a fatal character flaw that is ultimately their undoing
⤑ protagonist evolves from one character state to another as a result of events
⤑ protagonist has a disadvantage and is faced with overwhelming odds while trying to accomplish their goal
⤑ protagonist pushes the limits of acceptable behavior either due to mental unbalance or being trapped by circumstances; results in declination of stability and total loss of control
