The Fountainhead

Howard Roark refuses to compromise his architectural vision and cannot find clients who share it. Broke, he takes a day-laborer job in a quarry near the Francon summer home, beginning his struggle against public conformity.

Francon notices Roark's talent and is drawn to his uncompromising approach. She arranges for him to repair marble in her bedroom, but Roark mocks the pretense and sends another worker to finish the task.

Francon returns to the quarry in anger and strikes Roark with a horsewhip. Later Roark appears in her open bedroom and kisses her, revealing a powerful attraction that defies conventional boundaries.

Roark discovers a letter offering him a new building project and packs up to pursue it. This marks a turning point from a personal encounter to a driven pursuit of his architectural ideals.

Gail Wynand proposes marriage to Dominique Francon, but she is not in love with him and declines. The arrangement signals the encroachment of public power into personal loyalties.

At the Enright House opening, Francon is introduced to Roark and learns his true identity. The encounter deepens her conflict between loyalty to Roark's vision and desire for social acceptance.

Francon visits Roark's apartment and offers to marry him if he gives up architecture, but Roark refuses. He insists on pursuing his art on his own terms, regardless of scandal.

Francon accepts Wynand's marriage proposal, entering a partnership of influence. Wynand then commissions Roark to design him a lavish but secluded country home, forging a complex friendship.

Keating asks Roark to help with a massive housing project, and Roark agrees only if the design is kept exactly as drawn. Toohey nudges the firm to alter the design into a gingerbread monstrosity, undermining Roark's work.

Roark, with Francon's help, rigs explosives to destroy the altered buildings and is arrested at the site. The act underscores his uncompromising stance and willingness to take drastic measures for his principles.

Roark goes on trial and is painted as a public enemy by most newspapers, except The Banner, where Wynand campaigns for him. Toohey's influence inside The Banner grows, threatening the newspaper's integrity.

Roark speaks for himself in court, defending his right to work on his own terms and his artistic autonomy. He is found innocent, vindicated by his unwavering conviction.

Wynand offers Roark the contract to design the Wynand Building, granting him complete freedom. After Roark leaves, Wynand shoots himself, unable to bear his own public facade and guilt.

Months later, Dominique Francon enters the Wynand Building site and reveals herself as Mrs. Roark. She rises in the open construction elevator to glimpse Roark at the top of his heralded skyscraper, standing triumphant against the wind.