Mariner Software Contour for Windows - Manual (Page 44)

Plot Point 9
The Antagonist or Deflector conflict stops the Hero or threatens emotional stakes.
Whatever or whoever has been lurking in the background starts moving into the foreground of the Heroʼs world.
• In STAR WARS, the Jawas are found dead and itʼs deduced to be the work of Stormtroopers.
• In THE SIXTH SENSE, Tommy, who has been acting the part of Coleʼs friend, walks him to school and calls
him a “freak.”
• In LIAR, LIAR, Fletcher wants to get back in time for Maxʼs birthday but he is seduced by Miranda.
Plot Point 10
The depth of feeling between the Hero and the Stakes Character or the severity of the
threat to the Victims is brought out.
In Act I itʼs important to reinforce a few things, and one of those are the stakes. The reader should know who the
main character is, who the antagonist is, and who is at stake. All thatʼs missing is that final acceptance on the
part of the Hero. The purpose of Plot Point 10 is to make sure that the stakes are very clear.
• In STAR WARS, Luke sees his aunt and uncle have been murdered (severity of threat).
• In THE SIXTH SENSE, Cole stands outside his school, too afraid to go inside (severity of threat).
• In LIAR, LIAR, although itʼs his birthday, Max canʼt enjoy himself without Fletcher being there (depth of feel-
ing).
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