20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them by Ronald Tobias
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Book Reviews of 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them
Book Review: Fantastic Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is fantastic! Ronald's style of writing is so easy to absorb and entertaining. He gives clear examples and builds on them. This is a must read for any writer.Book Review: Excellent Reference for Writers
Summary: 5 Stars
found it very informative and easy to follow. very good examples of each plot.Book Review: Good Guide for Plot Structure
Summary: 4 Stars
Ronald Tobias, author of 20 Master Plots (and how to build them) settled on 20 "best selling" plots to help writers strike the right chord with potential readers. The first 6 chapters of 20 Master Plots... deals with the dynamics that make a compelling story, such as the 3-act play, increasing the level of conflict in each act and establishing relationship triangles, (or quadrilaterals, or whatever), just to name a few.
The remaining chapters, minus the last "Parting Shots" chapter, go into detail of each plot type. So this book doesn't have to be read cover-to-cover if you already know, or at least have a good idea where your story fits in. Each of these plot chapters run from 3-13 pages and discusses key elements of the protagonist, the antagonist and the structure of each act, along a short checklist at the end.
So where does your story fit? It could be: Quest, Adventure, Pursuit, Rescue, Revenge, The Riddle, Rivalry, Underdog, Temptation, Metamorphosis, Transformation, Maturation, Love, Forbidden Love, Sacrifice, Discovery, Wretched Excess, Ascenscion and Descension.
I found 20 Master Plots...to be an enjoyable and informative, although I thought the actual plot chapters more interesting to read.
Book Review: A nice survey of plots. Will get you started
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been working on a mystery novel and I picked up 20 Master Plots to help me structure the story. Since I've already got my basic plot (Mystery) I was able to use the book to help me make sure that I had my ducks in a row.
However, the book will not go much deeper than getting you started in any master plot type. It essentially delivers a magazine article about every plot type -- a great starting place.
The book is a great reference book and should sit in the writers library. From there it will deliver wisdom in 10-minute shots and get you going on any story.
Book Review: A Great "How To" Reference for Writers
Summary: 4 Stars
This book provides a great analysis of plots and how to build them. Plots covered are quest, adventure, pursuit, rescue, escape, revenge, the riddle, rivalry, underdog, temptation, metamorphosis, transformation, maturation, love, forbidden love, sacrifice, discovery, wretched excess, ascension, and decension.
The author (Ronald B. Tobias) states on page 229 that, "the idea of this book is to give you a sense of what each plot looks and feels like". In my opinion he has successfully done that.