20 Master Plots

And How to Build Them

By: Ronald B. Tobias

Narrated by: Barry Abrams

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Give your story a solid foundation - a plot that engages readers from start to finish!

The best stories linger in the hearts and minds of readers for decades. These tales gain their power through plots that connect with the audience on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Ronald B. Tobias details these 20 time-tested plots. Each is discussed and analyzed, illustrating how a successful plot integrates all the elements of a story. Tobias then reveals how to use these plots effectively in your own work.

Tobias then goes to the next level, describing how to choose and develop plot in fiction. He reveals how to craft plot for any subject matter so that you develop your work evenly and effectively. As a result, your fiction will be more cohesive and convincing, making your story unforgettable for readers everywhere.

©1993 Ronald B. Tobias (P)2019 Tantor

Plot comprehension presented simplistically.

The chapters broke down the comprehension of plot in a simplistic manner while providing actual examples.

exactly what I wanted

it was amazing! it went over 20 plots just like it said and the examples were entertaining enough to keep you interested so it didn't feel like a textbook or something. couldn't recommend it more.

very limited

the book was very narrow in scope and overall I came away feeling like it's entire content could have been delivered in a one or two page essay.

Plot master class

Ronald Tobias's 20 Master Plots is a valuable resource for writers seeking to understand and employ the fundamental building blocks of storytelling. With clarity and insight, Tobias dissects and explores twenty archetypal plots that have captivated audiences for centuries. Through his engaging and informative analysis, Tobias provides a comprehensive guide that empowers writers to craft compelling narratives across various genres and mediums.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is Tobias's ability to elucidate complex narrative concepts in a manner that is accessible and practical. By deconstructing each plot into its essential components, he enables writers to grasp the underlying structures that drive successful storytelling. Whether it's the quest, transformation, or revenge, Tobias demonstrates how these core plots manifest in a wide array of literature, film, and other artistic forms.

Furthermore, 20 Master Plots serves as a wellspring of inspiration for both novice and seasoned writers. By presenting numerous examples from classic and contemporary works, Tobias showcases the versatility of each plot and illustrates how it can be adapted and reimagined in diverse contexts. This not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling but also encourages writers to experiment and innovate within established frameworks.

Tobias's engaging prose and insightful commentary make 20 Master Plots a pleasure to read. As a seasoned writer and educator, he infuses the book with a sense of authority and wisdom, drawing from a wealth of examples and anecdotes to enrich his explanations. His passion for storytelling is palpable, and readers will undoubtedly find themselves inspired to apply his teachings to their own creative endeavors.

In conclusion, 20 Master Plots is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the universal patterns that underpin great storytelling. Ronald Tobias's expertise and enthusiasm shine through in this comprehensive guide, making it essential reading for writers of all levels. Whether you're a novelist, screenwriter, or aspiring storyteller, this book is sure to enhance your understanding of narrative craft and ignite your imagination.

Master Plot

This is a highly recommended book for any individual that wants to write a book. The writer gave so many examples and ideas on how to compose a great story

Great. Simply great.

If you are a writer looking for some basic plot structures to jump off of, this is the book for you.

The author is very knowledgeable, and he’s not a “guru” who is trying to tell you that “this is the ultimate and only way to write a story”. This book felt much more like a condensed story writing class in college than a “script guru, Save The Cat” course pitch.

The narrator was very good and his voice was calm and reassuring, so it added to the listening experience.

All in all, this was great. Skip “Story” by McKee and “Save the Cat” by Snyder, and get this book instead.

An interesting look a plot structure

The book outlines and describes 20 master plots that several works of fiction fall under. My favorite aspects were the point that plots fall under mind or body plots and the checklist at the end of each chapter.

Some Good Ideas

I liked this book overall, and found it had some useful ideas for someone feeling stuck on plotting issues. The book does indeed showcase over 20 "master plots" and describe the major characteristics of each, along with some specific guidance about how to write each (using a basic three-act structure). I found some of the general advice that worked its way through from introduction to conclusion to be particularly useful. Thinking of plot in terms of cause and effect, the rule of three, and the interconnectedness of character and plot...

My two major reservations about this book are 1.) that it was written in 1993. I knew this when I picked it up, and made some big allowances for this fact. In theory, the core idea is that these plots are timeless, so the fact that this is several decades old shouldn't matter. Yet those writing genre fiction (as oppose to works of great literary value) may not recognize modern conventions in some of what he said. I'd look to genre-specific texts for romance and mystery and science fiction and fantasy.

Of bigger concern than the publication date of this book was the publication date of most of the examples given. The author relied far too heavily on Shakespeare and ancient Greek works and classic literature of all stripes. Most 20th century examples came from the movies, not from books, and from early to mid-twentieth century productions at that. He offered enough explanation of most of his examples to help you understand them even if you hadn't read (or watched) the source material, but especially as I read through the final 5 master plots, I grew increasingly frustrated with my inability to truly connect with his source material. These last 5 plots, it's worth noting, dealt with deep internal character struggles that were harder to exemplify to anyone who had not read the original material.

I read books on writing mostly for inspiration. I picked this one up after I made some massive mistakes with a novel plot. This book helped me see where I went wrong and for that, it was well worth the read!