: Re: What are some examples of modern original plots? In a comment on this answer, a valuable community contributor suggested that it is possible to be totally original in writing, despite the fact

@Hamaas631

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Writer's Digest lists all 20 plots. That's all there are. If you find a story, it will use one (or several of them) but for many centuries, this list hasn't changed.

For example, the nanobot story mentioned by Claudiu has the same basic plot as Golem (16th century) or Frankenstein's monster (1818) or Icarus (ancient greeks). There are minor differences (Golem doesn't fall into love, for example) but at the core. From the list, that's plot #10 TEMPTATION and #18 WRETCHED EXCESS and a bit of #20 DECENSION.

Here is the list (in case the link breaks again):

Quest - Character has a specific goal
Adventure - Focus on the journey instead of the goal
Pursuit - Focus on the chase
Rescue - Focus on the action
Escape - Focus on getting out of something instead of getting somewhere specific
Revenge
Riddle - There is a conflict between what happens and what seems to have happened.
Rivalry - The irresistable force meets the immovable object, i.e. both sides should have the same power.
Underdog - Like rivalry but with a mismatch in power.
Temptation - Examines motives, needs and impulses of the character
Metamorphosis - One important aspect changes. Think of the old tales about people getting cursed and saved by love.
Transformation - The main character changes, evolves, matures in many ways.
Maturation - Confused, unclear character becomes sound, resolute, reliable. Basis for many stories which show how a child becomes an adult.
Love - You want it but you can't have it.
Forbidden Love - Like love but others don't want you to have it.
Sacrifice - Character achieves goal at great personal cost.
Discovery - Plot about making a great discovery. Similar to adventure (the journey is the goal).
Wretched Excess - Watch a character undo itself.
Ascension - Character solves a moral dilemma in a positive way.
Descension - Character tries to solve a moral dilemma and fails.

Related:

The Seven Basic Plots
Types of Plots
The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations

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