Mariner Software Contour for Mac - Manual (Page 59)

About Landmarks
“Landmarks” in a story are like geographical landmarks; they provide you with familiar features on your journey so you
know where you are and -- if youʼre lucky -- where youʼre going.
In a story, character/plot/theme landmarks make the audience willing traveling companions because these are the
moments that all good stories have in common. Just as no journey to Washington D.C., or New York, or London is
complete without seeing certain landmarks, the same is true in regards to a storyʼs journey as well. The trip for the
audience just isnʼt complete unless they see certain things.
Unlike the 12 Plot Points of Act I which are very specific, landmarks happen in certain regions of all stories, and not
necessarily in a particular order.
Revisiting the Development Paradigm, we will now make 12 distinct groupings of plot points:
ACT I ACT II ACT III
Orphan Wanderer Warrior Martyr
Plot Points 1-3:
Plot Points 4-5
Plot Points 6-8
Plot Points 9-12
Yes/No 1-3
Yes/No 4-5
Yes/No 6-7
Yes/No 8-10
Yes/No 11-12
Yes/No 13-14
Big Yes - No
Big No - Final Yes
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