---
product_id: 15787974
title: "20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them"
price: "HK$285"
currency: HKD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.hk/products/15787974-20-master-plots-and-how-to-build-them
store_origin: HK
region: Hong Kong
---

# 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them

**Price:** HK$285
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

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- **What is this?** 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them
- **How much does it cost?** HK$285 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hk](https://www.desertcart.hk/products/15787974-20-master-plots-and-how-to-build-them)

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## Description

desertcart.com: 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them: 8601200659917: Tobias, Ronald B. B.: Books

Review: Guidance for your Muse - I'm not sure whether it is cultural indoctrination or basic human wiring, but I do recognize that I as a movie viewer tune in to certain patterns in a story that make it fulfilling and believable. The most compelling movies are those that work within the frameworks I know, the story structure and character interactions that I expect on some level. Movies that leave me wondering "what the heck" are those that stray far from these structures. "20 Master Plots" is a must-read guideline for not only the most compelling plot structures but also for other advice that will help refine the writer's craft. I have ordered several extra copies of this book to give to other aspiring writers. I believe that when you review your favorite movies in light of this book's content, you'll have an "ah ha!" moment.
Review: Great for Beginners - As a complete beginner to writing I have found this book extremely helpful. The author is very good at breaking down the process and the concepts behind a good plot into easy to understand points. More advanced and experienced writers may not find it as helpful - but I love it.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #229,853 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #250 in Authorship Reference #279 in Writing Skill Reference (Books) #355 in Fiction Writing Reference (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (447) |
| Dimensions  | 5.5 x 0.72 x 8.44 inches |
| Edition  | 2nd |
| ISBN-10  | 1599635372 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1599635378 |
| Item Weight  | 12 ounces |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 287 pages |
| Publication date  | January 12, 2012 |
| Publisher  | Penguin Publishing Group |

## Images

![20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/810uu9UwLwL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Guidance for your Muse
*by G***T on October 26, 2012*

I'm not sure whether it is cultural indoctrination or basic human wiring, but I do recognize that I as a movie viewer tune in to certain patterns in a story that make it fulfilling and believable. The most compelling movies are those that work within the frameworks I know, the story structure and character interactions that I expect on some level. Movies that leave me wondering "what the heck" are those that stray far from these structures. "20 Master Plots" is a must-read guideline for not only the most compelling plot structures but also for other advice that will help refine the writer's craft. I have ordered several extra copies of this book to give to other aspiring writers. I believe that when you review your favorite movies in light of this book's content, you'll have an "ah ha!" moment.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great for Beginners
*by J***T on January 28, 2018*

As a complete beginner to writing I have found this book extremely helpful. The author is very good at breaking down the process and the concepts behind a good plot into easy to understand points. More advanced and experienced writers may not find it as helpful - but I love it.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overview and Key Examples to Plotting the Novel
*by R***N on October 3, 2012*

After 60 years of reading novels and 55 years of trying to write one to my satisfaction, I decided to take a course in writing fiction. The syllabus recommended Tobias' 20 Master Plots, one among three suggested titles. I read it first and liked it so much because it met my temperament. Consequently, I read it eagerly, penciling notes in the margins as I hurried along. Being selective for most of my reading life and favoring the classics or what is termed literary fiction, I suspect I am well into appreciating the craft required. However, what has troubled me about most guides to fiction writing is the continued emphasis on conflict in plot structure. Most conflicts bewilder me into wondering why I should care about the characters. Tobias makes clear that action plots drive most popular fiction today; the rest are character-driven plots. He uses as an alternative expression to conflict the prospects from tension in the story. This may be a subtly semantic difference, but it promises greater complexity and subtlety in story-telling than the out and out razzle-dazzle of action plots. Tobias hits the mark when he says, quoting Picasso, that the creator must first know the rules before setting out to break them. Okay, let's start with action and character examples of the most common plot usages. This he does with pinpointed relevance and incisive clarity. Also practically useful are the lists of check questions along the way. In short, did you learn the lesson? I've read enough novels over my lifetime to learn that in the few hundred years of novel development, authors have exercised a great deal of experiment not only in plot, but in style. What appeals to me as a reader spending his limited time on a novel is the author whose delivery shows a pertinent sentiment that no other writer reveals. Plot unravels the life of the protagonist or characters; and characters can propel the plot. Tobias shows why and how. At the end of the week, I answered "A Final Checklist" of all twelve questions that shows my grasp of the story on which I am presently centered - two pages of responses. No other writing guide has given me the challenge and confidence to go forward as this one has. Thank you, Mr. Tobias.

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*Product available on Desertcart Hong Kong*
*Store origin: HK*
*Last updated: 2026-03-01*