Writers sometimes miss the mark on organizing stories, so plots lose shape and characters feel incomplete. The Save the Cat outline is a proven framework designed to keep your narrative engaging, focusing on key story beats that guide your work. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer, this method can refine your approach to storytelling.
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What Is the Save the Cat Outline?
Created by screenwriter Blake Snyder, the Save the Cat outline is primarily used in screenwriting but is equally effective for novelists. The core idea is that, at a certain point in the story, the protagonist should “save the cat,” a moment that demonstrates their goodness and helps the audience connect with them. This technique helps to hook readers emotionally right from the start.
But saving the cat is just the start. The Save the Cat outline breaks down a story into 15 essential beats. Examine these story beats to see how each part works.
The 15 Essential Beats
1. The Opening Image
The opening image serves as your story’s first impression—a snapshot of the main character’s world before the journey begins. For instance, in The Hunger Games, we see Katniss Everdeen struggling to provide for her family in District 12. That moment sets the tone for her transformation.
2. Theme Stated
You’ll want to introduce the movie’s or book’s underlying theme early on. In “Finding Nemo,” the theme of parental overprotection is highlighted when Marlin refuses to let Nemo swim too far.
3. Set-Up
Here, you flesh out character backgrounds and establish the setting. Consider “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” where we learn about Harry’s life with the Dursleys, which shows his struggles and desires.
4. Catalyst
The catalyst is the inciting incident that propels the main character into action. In “The Lord of the Rings,” Frodo discovers the One Ring, igniting his journey. This moment dramatically disrupts the protagonist’s ordinary life.
5. Debate
This beat is about internal conflict. The protagonist grapples with the decision to engage with the journey. For example, in “The Hunger Games,” when Katniss volunteers to take Prim’s place, she weighs the risks of entering the arena against her desire to protect her sister.
6. Break into Two
Here, the protagonist makes a decisive choice, leaving the ordinary world behind and entering the new world of the story. In “Star Wars,” Luke Skywalker leaves Tatooine to join Obi-Wan Kenobi.
7. B Story
This secondary storyline usually involves a relationship that runs parallel to the main plot, adding depth. In “Pride and Prejudice,” Elizabeth Bennet’s evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy provides emotional stakes that resonate with the primary conflict of class and society.
8. Fun and Games
In this section, the story fulfills the promise of the premise, immersing readers in the world and highlighting the protagonist’s actions. In “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the team’s banter and misadventures provide a sense of fun while highlighting their camaraderie.
9. Midpoint
The midpoint is a critical plot twist or revelation that escalates the stakes. In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West shifts her mission from simple escape to a fight for her life.
10. Bad Guys Close In
As the title suggests, antagonistic forces threaten the protagonist during this stage. In “The Dark Knight,” Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face raises the stakes for Batman.
11. All is Lost
This moment is typically the protagonist’s lowest point. In “The Fault in Our Stars,” Hazel loses her friend Augustus, which triggers deep emotional conflict as she struggles with her own feelings about mortality.
12. Dark Night of the Soul
Here, the protagonist reflects on their situation, often leading to self-discovery. In “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Chris Gardner faces despair after losing everything, yet uses this low point to reevaluate what’s essential.
13. Break into Three
The protagonist finds a new direction and approach to counter the previous conflict. This beat lays the groundwork for the resolution, much like Frodo’s determination to destroy the One Ring despite the odds.
14. Finale
The climax brings resolution to the problems and sparks the protagonist’s growth. In “The Avengers,” the team fights Loki to protect New York City, demonstrating collaboration and growth.
15. Final Image
Similar to the opening image, this beat encapsulates the protagonist’s transformation. In “The Lion King,” Simba takes his place as king, symbolizing growth from a frightened cub to a confident leader.
Applying the Save the Cat Outline in Your Writing
Understanding the Save the Cat outline is one thing; applying it is another. Here’s how you can implement this methodology effectively in your writing process.
Define Your Premise
Before outlining, identify the central idea of your narrative. The premise guides you as you work through the beats. For example, if you’re writing a fantasy novel about a reluctant hero, know this upfront to ensure that your character’s journey reflects this premise throughout the outline.
Structure Your Outline
Sketch out the 15 beats on a large piece of paper or digital document. Label each section clearly, making it easy to visualize how your story will flow. Doing this also helps you spot beats that need more detail or revision.
Character Development
Utilize the B Story to deepen character arcs. If you have a strong protagonist, consider how secondary characters can complement their journey. This additional layer can provide you with insights into how relationships evolve, much like the romantic tension in “Twilight” between Bella and Edward.
Stay Flexible
While the Save the Cat outline provides structure, treat it as a guide rather than a rulebook. Allow space for organic storytelling. If your character takes an unexpected turn, adapt your outline accordingly. Writing is a balance between planning and improvisation.
Use Feedback
Engage with beta readers or writing groups. Share your outline; they may offer perspectives you might have overlooked. Their input can highlight areas needing strengthening or clarify convoluted plot points.
Analyze Successful Stories
Dissect films or books that follow the Save the Cat beats in detail. Identify how they utilize the 15 beats to keep audiences engaged. Reverse-engineering successful narratives will enhance your understanding and application of storytelling.
Write Your Draft
With your outline in place, you can begin drafting. Keep the beats in mind, but write in a way that aligns with your unique perspective. The outline is a tool, not a restrictive mold.
Revise and Refine
Once the draft is complete, step back and review how well you executed the beats. Look for areas where your story strays from the outline or where beats lack clarity. It may feel tedious, but refining ensures that your final product is polished and cohesive.
The Benefits of Using the Save the Cat Outline
Utilizing the Save the Cat outline comes with multiple advantages:
Enhanced Story Cohesion
With a clear structure, your narrative stays cohesive, making arcs logical and engaging. Cohesion avoids the pitfalls of plot holes or inconsistencies.
Builds Reader Investment
The emotional beats crafted through the outline can enhance reader interest, ensuring they’ll want to stick around to see how the story unfolds. An emotional connection to a protagonist’s journey makes them root for your characters.
Encourages Better Pacing
By adhering to the beats, you can manage pacing and maintain tension throughout the narrative. This approach helps you avoid dragging out scenes or rushing past critical moments.
Simplifies Revision
If you need to make significant changes during revisions, an outline shows how new scenes fit into the overall framework and can save time compared to restructuring an unplanned draft.
Additional Information
The “Save the Cat” outline offers insights that can transform your storytelling. Here are some facts:
- The Importance of the Logline: A strong logline is crucial for your story. It encapsulates the essence of your narrative in one concise sentence, helping you maintain focus and clarity as you develop your plot.
- Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet: This beat sheet breaks down your story into 15 essential beats, making it easier to track your plot’s progression and character development. Each beat serves a specific purpose, ensuring the story stays engaging.
- The Save the Cat Moment: This is a key turning point where your protagonist performs an act that shows their humanity and helps the audience connect with them. It’s essential for character development and establishing empathy.
- Flexibility in Structure: While “Save the Cat” offers a strong framework, it’s not rigid. Writers are encouraged to adapt the beats to suit their unique storytelling style and narrative needs, allowing for creativity within the framework.
- Theme Stated Early: Snyder emphasizes introducing the theme early in the story as it provides a foundation for character motivations and plot developments, creating a more cohesive narrative.
- The Midpoint Twist: This secret emphasizes the importance of unexpected developments around the midpoint of your story, serving to heighten stakes and deepen character arcs, effectively keeping the audience engaged.
- Climactic Moments: The climax is not merely about action; it’s where the protagonist faces the deepest conflict tied to the story’s theme. Identifying this moment ensures your ending resonates.
- The Final Image: The last image of your story should reflect the protagonist’s transformation and echo the theme, leaving a lasting impression on your audience and bringing the narrative to a satisfying end.
- Using Subplots Wisely: Subplots should align with the main plot to reinforce themes or develop characters. Focusing on interrelated stories can create a richer, more immersive experience.
- Character Arc Interaction: The changes in your protagonist should parallel those of other characters. This interconnectedness adds depth and makes the resolution more satisfying for readers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Save The Cat Outline
Q. What is the Save the Cat outline?
A. The Save the Cat, created by Blake Snyder, is a screenwriting structure built around specific story beats that help writers develop compelling narratives.
Q. Why is it called “Save the Cat”?
A. It’s called “Save the Cat” because it emphasizes the importance of making the protagonist sympathetic. The term originates from the idea that when the hero carries out a compassionate act, such as saving a cat, the audience becomes more likely to support them.
Q. How many beats are in the Save the Cat outline?
A. The original Save the Cat outline consists of 15 key beats that plot the story from beginning to end.
Q. Can I use the Save the Cat outline for genres other than movies?
A. Yes! The Save the Cat method began as a tool for screenwriting, but many novelists and other writers now apply it to structure their stories.
Q. What are the first few beats in the Save the Cat outline?
A. The first few beats include the “Opening Image,” “Theme Stated,” “Set-Up,” and “Catalyst.” These establish the groundwork for the story.
Q. How does the “Midpoint” work in the Save the Cat outline?
A. The “Midpoint” is a crucial turning point in the story where the stakes increase and the protagonist often undergoes a significant change or realization.
Q. Can I modify the Save the Cat structure for my own writing style?
A. Absolutely! While the Save the Cat outline provides a framework, feel free to adapt its beats to suit your unique voice and story.
Q. What is the “Final Image” in the Save the Cat outline?
A. The “Final Image” is the closing moment of the story that reflects how much the protagonist has changed. It’s the visual representation of the story’s resolution.
Q. How do I know if my story has the right pacing with the Save the Cat outline?
A. By following the beat structure, you can ensure each section flows logically into the next and maintains reader interest. Adjust the beats so the story flows with strong momentum.
Q. Is the Save the Cat outline suitable for all types of narratives?
A. While it works well for many stories, not all narratives will fit neatly into this structure. It’s a helpful tool, but flexibility is key in storytelling.
Conclusion
The Save the Cat outline offers a straightforward and effective way to structure your screenplay or novel. By breaking your story into clear beats, you make it easier to develop your characters and plot. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, this method offers a solid framework to help you craft compelling narratives. So, the next time you sit down to write, consider using the Save the Cat outline to guide your storytelling journey. Happy writing!
