Structure: How to use "Save the Cat"

Today, as part of my fiction writing series, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the “Save the Cat” writing technique. This is a revolutionary approach to storytelling that has captivated writers and audiences alike. Originated by screenwriter Blake Snyder, “Save the Cat” offers a unique structure for crafting engaging narratives. At its heart, the technique is about creating a moment early on where the protagonist performs a noble act—literally or figuratively “saving a cat”—which endears them to the audience and sets the stage for their journey. This technique has not only become a staple in screenwriting but has also found its place in novels. It provides a universal blueprint for storytelling success. One that I often employ.

Beyond just a singular moment of character kindness, “Save the Cat” encompasses a comprehensive story structure. This structure is detailed in Snyder’s seminal work, “Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need.” These beats guide the narrative flow, ensuring that it remains engaging and emotionally resonant from start to finish. Whether you’re drafting a screenplay or penning a novel, understanding and incorporating the “Save the Cat” story structure can transform your writing.

The Essence of “Save the Cat”

This approach is broken down into a “beat sheet” for novels and screenplays. These key moments should occur at specific points in the narrative to maximize emotional impact and audience engagement. This technique transcends beyond a simple plot device or character trait; it’s a comprehensive methodology. It reshapes the narrative arc to foster a deeper connection between the audience and the protagonist.

A Blueprint for Emotional Engagement

At its core, “Save the Cat” acts as a blueprint for emotional engagement, ensuring that audiences become emotionally invested in the protagonist’s journey rather than remaining passive observers. Writers establish this connection early on, laying a solid foundation for character development and narrative engagement.

Universal Application Across Genres

The “Save the Cat” methodology’s universal applicability across various genres and mediums stands out as one of its most powerful aspects. Because of this, writers can adapt “Save the Cat” to enhance storytelling in any form, be it a heartwarming drama, a thrilling adventure, or a gripping mystery. Understanding this technique’s essence allows writers to manipulate their narrative’s dynamics, building suspense, cultivating mystery, or amplifying emotional depth.

Fostering Character Depth and Complexity

Moreover, “Save the Cat” encourages writers to delve deeper into their characters, exploring their motivations, flaws, and growth. This technique is not just about making a character likable; it’s about making them complex, relatable, and ultimately transformative.

The “Save the Cat” Beat Sheet Explained

The “Save the Cat” beat sheet breaks a story down into 15 crucial beats (visualized above). These beats are not just markers; they’re the backbone of a story, guiding the narrative’s flow from beginning to end.

To distribute the elements of the “Save the Cat” beat sheet across an 80,000-word novel (generally the length for a debut novel in many genres), we can allocate percentages of the total word count to each section. This is based on the typical structure and pacing advised by Blake Snyder’s methodology. Here’s how the beats might be proportioned:

Opening Image (1-5%): About 800-4,000 words to set the tone and introduce the protagonist’s world.
Theme Stated (5%): Roughly 4,000 words in, where the story’s theme is hinted at.
Set-Up (1-10%): Up to 8,000 words to establish setting, characters, and the protagonist’s life before the journey begins.
Catalyst (10%): Around 8,000 words mark, the moment that changes everything.
Debate (10-20%): 8,000-16,000 words for the protagonist’s internal struggle about embarking on their journey.
Break into Two (20%): At approximately 16,000 words, where the protagonist decides to take action.
B Story (22-30%): Between 17,600 and 24,000 words to introduce and develop a secondary narrative.
Fun and Games (30-50%): 24,000-40,000 words. The premise is explored here, making this the heart of the story.
Midpoint (50%): Around 40,000 words, a pivotal moment that raises the stakes.
Bad Guys Close In (50-75%): 40,000-60,000 words, where challenges mount against the protagonist.
All Is Lost (75%): Roughly 60,000 words. This is the lowest point for the protagonist.
Dark Night of the Soul (75-85%): 60,000-68,000 words for the protagonist’s greatest moment of doubt.
Break into Three (85%): At about 68,000 words, the protagonist finds a solution.
Finale (85-99%): 68,000-79,200 words for the climax where the protagonist confronts the central conflict.
Final Image (99-100%): The last 800-1,600 words reflect the change in the protagonist and their world.

Obviously, the distribution might vary based on the specific needs of your story. Pacing and how each section naturally develops as you write will alter the length. The key is to ensure that each beat occurs at a moment that best serves the narrative, engaging your readers and driving the story forward.

Incorporating “Save the Cat” into Your Writing

Finally, to effectively use the “Save the Cat” story structure, start by mapping out these beats in relation to your story. This framework isn’t just for screenwriters; novelists, too, can greatly benefit from its clear, audience-focused approach to storytelling.

Identify Your Key Moments: Firstly, begin by outlining the major moments in your story that align with the “Save the Cat” beats.
Character Development: While doing so, use these beats to showcase your protagonist’s growth, making sure they’re actively pursuing their goals and facing challenges that test their resolve.
Pacing: Finally, ensure your story maintains momentum by aligning your narrative’s pivotal moments with the beat sheet’s structure.

Conclusion

Undeniably, “Save the Cat” is more than just a writing technique; it’s a blueprint for storytelling success. By understanding and applying its principles, writers can craft narratives that not only engage and entertain but also resonate deeply with their audience. Whether you’re drafting a screenplay or penning a novel, the “Save the Cat” beat sheet offers a structured approach to unleashing your storytelling potential.

Therefore, with this knowledge and a bit of creativity, you’re well on your way to writing stories that captivate, inspire, and endure. Above all, the key to “Saving the Cat” isn’t just about a single moment of kindness; it’s about structuring your narrative to bring out the best in your characters and your story.

Structure: How to use “Save the Cat”