The “Save the Cat! Beat Sheet” is a popular guide for novelists and screenwriters looking to structure their stories effectively. It provides a series of “beats,” or key plot points, that help ensure a compelling and well-paced narrative. But who is behind this influential guide?
The Origin of Save the Cat!
The “Save the Cat!” method was originally developed by Blake Snyder, a screenwriter and author. Snyder outlined his approach to screenwriting in his book Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting That You’ll Ever Need. This book became a widely used resource for writers in Hollywood and beyond.
Jessica Brody and Novel Writing
While Blake Snyder created the overall “Save the Cat!” concept, Jessica Brody adapted it specifically for novel writing. Brody is a successful author of both young adult and middle grade novels. Recognizing the value of Snyder’s beat sheet, she developed her own version tailored to the unique demands of novel structure.
The Save the Cat! Beat Sheet for Novels
Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel takes Snyder’s original 15 beats and refines them for the longer form of a novel. She provides detailed explanations and examples of how each beat can be applied to create a compelling story arc in a novel. The beat sheet acts as a roadmap, guiding writers through the essential plot points, from the opening image to the final resolution.
Here’s a breakdown of the core “Save the Cat!” beats adapted for novels, as presented in Brody’s work:
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Opening Image (0-1%): Establishes the “before” snapshot of the hero’s world and character.
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Theme Stated (5%): A character hints at the life lesson the hero must learn.
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Setup (1% – 10%): Explores the hero’s status quo, flaws, supporting characters, and primary goal, highlighting their reluctance to change.
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Catalyst (10%): An inciting incident that disrupts the hero’s life.
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Debate (10% to 20%): The hero debates their next move, showcasing their resistance to change.
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Break Into 2 (20%): The hero accepts the call to action, entering a new world or way of thinking.
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B Story (22%): Introduction of a new character who helps the hero learn the theme.
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Fun and Games (20% to 50%): The hero navigates their new world, pursuing their goal with varying degrees of success. This section represents the “promise of the premise.”
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Midpoint (50%): A turning point that can be a false victory or a false defeat, raising the stakes.
Save the Cat! Course v2
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Bad Guys Close In (50% to 75%): The hero faces increasing challenges, with their internal flaws becoming more prominent. A modified goal may be established.
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All Is Lost (75%): The hero reaches their lowest point, often with a “whiff of death” symbolizing the death of their old self.
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Dark Night of the Soul (75% to 80%): The hero processes their experiences, reaching their darkest hour before finding a solution.
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Break Into 3 (80%): The hero has an “aha!” moment, realizing what they must do to fix their problems and transform themselves.
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The Finale (80% to 99%): The hero proves they have learned the theme and transformed, conquering their flaws and achieving a better outcome.
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Final Image (99% to 100%): A mirror to the opening image, showcasing the hero’s life after their transformation.
Why is Save the Cat! So Popular?
The enduring popularity of the “Save the Cat!” method, particularly Brody’s adaptation for novels, stems from its practical and accessible approach to story structure. It provides a tangible framework that writers can use to plan and execute their novels, ensuring a well-paced and emotionally resonant story. The beat sheet helps writers identify potential pacing issues, plot holes, and character inconsistencies before they invest too much time in the writing process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Blake Snyder originated the “Save the Cat!” concept for screenwriting, Jessica Brody successfully adapted and expanded it for the world of novel writing. Her “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” provides a valuable resource for authors seeking a structured and effective approach to crafting compelling stories. By understanding and applying the “Save the Cat!” beat sheet, novelists can increase their chances of writing a book that captivates readers from beginning to end.
