When you're describing the similarity between two plots, the more general you are, the less credible you are.
Here's a general sketch of the worst versions of "every story is the same" or "these two stories are remarkably similar":
"A character who is uncomfortable with his/her life is has a situation that forces him/her to reluctantly go on an adventure (possibly involving 1-2 companions who are total opposites of him/her) in order to get something (s)he really wants. Along the way, (s)he encounters a lot of obstacles, has conflict with other characters, gets taken to his/her lowest point, and changes as a person. He/She finally gets the opportunity to return to his/her old life and either chooses to refuse it and continue in his/her new life or go back to his old life as a changed character."
It technically describe virtually every plotline, but it's so vague that it shouldn't make anyone surprised about how similar the plotlines are.
Not every comparison is like this, so please, just stay away from comparisons like this.
Hopefully, a comparison would happen when you describe a story in 25 words or less and realize 2 stories have virtually the same description. A good example of that description may be "To reunite with his children, a con artist with a troubled past makes a deal: enter the dreams of a billionaire to convince him to break up his empire".
AFTER that, the more details that are similar, the better.
Here's a general sketch of the worst versions of "every story is the same" or "these two stories are remarkably similar":
"A character who is uncomfortable with his/her life is has a situation that forces him/her to reluctantly go on an adventure (possibly involving 1-2 companions who are total opposites of him/her) in order to get something (s)he really wants. Along the way, (s)he encounters a lot of obstacles, has conflict with other characters, gets taken to his/her lowest point, and changes as a person. He/She finally gets the opportunity to return to his/her old life and either chooses to refuse it and continue in his/her new life or go back to his old life as a changed character."
It technically describe virtually every plotline, but it's so vague that it shouldn't make anyone surprised about how similar the plotlines are.
Not every comparison is like this, so please, just stay away from comparisons like this.
Hopefully, a comparison would happen when you describe a story in 25 words or less and realize 2 stories have virtually the same description. A good example of that description may be "To reunite with his children, a con artist with a troubled past makes a deal: enter the dreams of a billionaire to convince him to break up his empire".
AFTER that, the more details that are similar, the better.
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