Maugham writes about three very different people in English settings.

Mrs Albert Forrester is a writer. She is also a cold and selfish woman. When her way of life changes, Mrs Forrester discovers The Creative Impulse for her next successful book.

The Round Dozen is set in a seaside town. Maugham watches how a strange, quiet man achieves his lifetime ambition.

Jane is a plain, middle-aged woman. Her quiet life changes when she meets a poor and handsome young man.