Line #15 Literature/TheMasterOfBallantrae

Context Literature / TheMasterOfBallantrae

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1	[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/51knmrfn9bl_8.jpg]]
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3	''The Master of Ballantrae'' is an 1889 HistoricalFiction novel by Creator/RobertLouisStevenson. Like several of Stevenson's other works, it's set in 18th century UsefulNotes/{{Scotland}}.
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5	The [[UsefulNotes/HanoverStuartWars Jacobite rising of 1745]] has begun, and the Durie family decide on a way to preserve their estate no matter which side wins. James Durie, the older brother and the titular Master of Ballantrae, joins the Jacobites, while his younger brother Henry supports [[UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfHanover King George II]]. James is reported dead, and Henry becomes heir to the estate. Unfortunately, it's revealed that James isn't dead at all.
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7	Has been adapted into two films, in 1953 and 1984.
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9	!!Contains examples of:
10	* BilingualBackfire: Henry and Mackellar don't realise until too late that Secundra Dass speaks English.
11	* CainAndAbel: James and Henry.
12	* FakingTheDead: James does this to avoid being murdered.
13	* FirstPersonPeripheralNarrator: Ephraim Mackellar is the narrator, but he has little to do with the actual plot.
14	* HeroWithBadPublicity: Henry is a much better man than James, but the townsfolk and even his own wife have a low opinion of him.
15	* HoistByHisOwnPetard: James's attempt to fake his own death [[spoiler: is what kills him]].
16	* ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice: Henry stabs James in a duel, and thinks he killed him. [[spoiler: He didn't.]]
17	* NotQuiteDead: James, twice. [[spoiler: The first time he's injured in a duel, the second time he fakes his own death. But then he dies as a result of faking his own death.]]
18	* ParentalFavouritism: The Laird of Durrisdeer clearly favours James.
19	* ReportsOfMyDeathWereGreatlyExaggerated: Everyone thinks James is dead until he sends letters to them.
20	* VillainWithGoodPublicity: James manages to become popular everywhere he goes... for a while.

Context Literature / TheMasterOfBallantrae