Reddit reviews 20 Master Plots: And How to Build Them

[All of these.] (http://www.amazon.com/20-Master-Plots-Build-Them/dp/1599635372)

Here they are, broken out:

> Quest: A character-driven story that has a hero go on a journey for something that changes him in some way.

> Adventure: A plot-driven story that focuses on reaching a series of goals.

> Pursuit: The Chase plot, very action oriented.

> Rescue: A Rescue Arc as the main story, also very action oriented.

> Escape: A Great Escape plot, similar to the Rescue, except the captive rescues himself/herself.

> The Riddle: Basic Mystery plot revolving around a Driving Question.

> Rivalry: Character-oriented story based on the interactions of two opposing characters, The Hero and The Rival.

> Underdog: A story where the Underdogs Never Lose. Revolves around an underdog (maybe they are underprivileged, poor, disabled, etc.) who triumphs despite overwhelming odds.

> Temptation: The story revolves around whether or not to give into a temptation and the consequences, Pandora Box-like.

> Metamorphosis: A story revolving around a physical transformation of some kind, generally a true Metamorphosis is a one-way street.

> Transformation: A story revolving around an inner-change, rather than a physical one.

> Maturation: A Coming of Age Story, where the a character matures physically, emotionally or spiritually.

> Love: Your basic Boy Meets Girl Romance Arc, with two characters falling in love as the main story.

> Forbidden Love: Star-Crossed Lovers who spend most of the plot trying to be together despite the world trying to tear them apart.

> Sacrifice: Revolves around a characters and their sacrifices, lethal or otherwise.

> Discovery: A story that unearths those skeletons in a character's Mysterious Past.

> Wretched Excess: Story where the character is in a downward spiral from drugs, greed, depression, insanity, etc.

> Vengeance: Your basic Revenge story, very character-driven.

> Ascension: Follows a character's rise to power.

> Descension: Like-wise to Ascension, follows a character fall from power.

aw, I think it's just a human thing. Everyone wants to pick their favorite everything, "What's your favorite color? Fruit? Ice cream flavor? Book? TV show? Movie?" Seems like children are the only thing that's exempt, you aren't supposed to have a favorite if you have multiple kids. Guess we could add lovers to the list if one is poly. Although I think everyone agrees that Nathaniel, JC, and Micah are special to Anita?

Hey, if you read this far I wanted to bring up something I once saw you write. I don't expect a reply, I understand that you're through with the AMA, but think it's natural that you might still read responses and maybe see this. Your books were really a big part of my life for several years and I feel thrilled to have the chance to be writing something you might read.

If I'm remembering correctly at one point you were upset that people wanted more plot, because you felt that meant more death, blood, and gore for Anita, who's already experienced quite enough. That really made me think. And what I came up with was, you're right, business as usual is too bloody and gory and I understand your wanting out of having to write and research so much death as well.

But, here's the thing, I think you've already proven that you can do whatever you want with this series and your publishers won't give you too much flack. Most of the plots in Anita involve someone turning up dead and then police work to solve the mystery, but what if you tried out a completely different sort of plot, just threw Anita and cohorts into some strange situation and then watch how they reacted?

I mean, I write myself and one year for my birthday I got a book called 20 Master Plots and How to Build Them and sometimes I find it really fun to imagine my characters in some of those situations. It helps me get to know them better too. There are so many other plots out there where no one has to die.

The 20 Master Plots and How to Build Them

If you want to get better at roleplaying games, try reading something that is about creating stories interspersed with more game content.

This is my favorite

This was really helpful, thank you. When you say 'pick a story', have you ever come across a comprehensive list of stories? I've read 20 Master Plots by Ronald Tobias but they seem to be more generic and keywordy like 'underdog' rather than the phrasing you've given which I find sparks more of an image, "sometimes sacrifice is necessary".