So, you’ve got a fantastic story idea bubbling in your mind, but you’re not quite sure how to structure it into a compelling narrative? Understanding story beats is crucial for any writer, and the Save The Cat beat sheet is a powerful tool to help you map out your plot effectively. Now that you have a general idea of where these beats fall in your story, let’s dive into what happens in each one.
As we explore each story beat below, jot down your ideas on a worksheet or in your writing notebook. This brainstorming will be invaluable as you develop your story.
Act 1: Setting the Stage – The Beginning
1. Opening Image (0-1%): This is your story’s visual hook, the very first scene. It’s a snapshot of your protagonist in their ordinary world, highlighting their flaws and the world’s imperfections. Think of it as the “before” picture.
2. Theme Stated (5%): In this single scene, someone (not the protagonist) subtly hints at the story’s theme – the life lesson your protagonist will ultimately learn. It’s a whisper of the change to come.
3. Setup (1-10%): Expand on the Opening Image. This multi-scene beat fleshes out the protagonist’s everyday life and their world, flaws and all. Introduce key supporting characters and the protagonist’s initial goal – what they think will solve their problems or make them happy.
4. Catalyst (10%): The game-changer. This single scene is where a life-altering event throws the protagonist into a new world or a new way of thinking. It’s the moment of no return, propelling them out of their comfort zone and into the story’s main conflict. The “normal world” is now irrevocably changed.
5. Debate (10-20%): A period of hesitation. This multi-scene beat shows the protagonist grappling with the Catalyst. They debate their next move, questioning whether they should embrace change. This beat highlights their reluctance and internal conflict. Questions like “Should I do this?” or “Should I stay?” dominate their thoughts.
6. Break Into Two (20%): The point of no return, solidified. In a single scene, the protagonist makes a definitive decision. They accept the call to adventure, leave their familiar world, and step into the unknown. This beat acts as the bridge between Act 1 (Beginning) and Act 2 (Middle).
Act 2A: Rising Action – The Middle (Part 1)
7. B Story (22%): Introducing influence. This single scene brings in a new character (or characters) who will play a crucial role in helping the protagonist learn the story’s theme. This could be a romantic interest, rival, mentor, friend, or family member – someone who will impact their journey.
8. Fun and Games (20-50%): Exploration and adjustment. This multi-scene beat lets the reader see the protagonist navigating their new world. Are they thriving or struggling? Are they enjoying the change or completely out of their depth? It’s a period of discovery and often where the initial promise of the premise is delivered.
9. Midpoint (50%): Raising the stakes. This single scene is a pivotal turning point. It can be a “false victory” if the protagonist has been successful in Fun and Games, or a “false defeat” if they’ve been struggling. In romance, it might be a significant romantic moment. In thrillers, it could be a plot twist or a ticking clock. Whatever it is, the Midpoint dramatically increases the stakes and pushes the protagonist towards real, meaningful change.
Act 2B: Intensifying Conflict – The Middle (Part 2)
10. Bad Guys Close In (50-75%): Increasing pressure. Following a “false victory” at the Midpoint, this multi-scene beat shows things unraveling for the protagonist. Conversely, after a “false defeat,” they might experience a period of progress, but it’s often short-lived. Regardless, both internal “bad guys” (fear, false beliefs) and external antagonists are closing in, increasing the pressure.
11. All is Lost (75%): Rock bottom. This single scene represents the protagonist’s lowest point. Combined with the mounting pressure from the “Bad Guys Close In,” something happens that makes them feel utterly defeated.
12. Dark Night of the Soul (75-80%): Reflection and despair. This multi-scene beat is a moment of processing and despair. The protagonist confronts everything that has happened, facing their darkest hour. It’s the moment right before they find the solution and truly grasp the story’s theme.
13. Break Into Three (80%): A glimmer of hope, a new plan. In a single scene, the protagonist has an epiphany. They realize what they must do to overcome both external story problems and, more importantly, their internal flaws. A new path forward emerges.
Act 3: Resolution – The End
14. Finale (80-99%): Putting it all on the line. This multi-scene beat is where the protagonist demonstrates they’ve learned the story’s theme and puts their Break Into Three plan into action. A compelling finale often has these five parts:
- Gathering the Team: The protagonist rallies allies, gathers resources, and prepares for the final confrontation.
- Executing the Plan: The plan is put into motion. Sacrifices might be made by supporting characters, pushing the protagonist to take full responsibility.
- The High Tower Surprise: A twist or unexpected obstacle forces the protagonist to truly prove their growth.
- Dig Deep Down: Stripped of backup plans, the protagonist must find inner strength and courage to overcome their internal antagonist (fear, false belief).
- Execution of New Plan: Having conquered their internal demons, the protagonist acts decisively against the external antagonist and achieves success (or a meaningful failure if that serves the story’s point).
The pacing should intensify towards the end, often achieved with fewer, more impactful scenes.
15. Final Image (99-100%): The “after” picture. This single scene provides a lasting impression, showing the protagonist’s transformed life and how far they’ve come since the Opening Image. It’s the resolution and the lasting impact of their journey.
Save the Cat Scene Roadmap: Visualize Your Novel's Plot Structure – A helpful visual guide to the Save the Cat beat sheet for novelists and screenwriters, outlining the key story beats in a scene roadmap format.
