From Simple Plot to Save the Cat

Once you have simple plot points, it's time to move to Save The Cat plotting. Yes, this was originally designed for screenwriting - and is still in use today! - and it works really well for writing books.

It's fairly simple:

Since Snyder’s sheet was created for screenwriting, the bracketed number by each beat is the page or pages that it would take up of a standard 110-page screenplay. The beats are as follows:

• Opening Image: An opening scene.

• Theme Stated: Readers are introduced to the central theme or lesson of the story.

• Set Up: The protagonist and their 'ordinary world' are introduced.

• Catalyst: Something happens that sets the story in motion.

• Debate: The protagonist is hesitant to take action. Something is stopping them.

• Break Into Two: The protagonist takes up the challenge.

• B Story: Here is where the subplot starts, introducing a secondary character who supports or is in conflict with the protagonist

• Fun and Games: The protagonist's journey. This may be positive or negative, depending on the story arc

• Midpoint: The stakes are raised. We are literally waiting to see what direction the protagonist takes.

• Bad Guys Close In: Things start going downhill for the protagonist.

• All is Lost: Things go from bad to worse and it doesn't look good for the protagonist

• Dark Night of the Soul: Faced with defeat, the protagonist has to look within to see what needs to happen next.

• Break Into Three: The protagonist finds a path forward.

• Finale: The protagonist implements their plan. In most cases, this is a victory. Depends on the story arc.

• Final Image: A final scene that either mirrors or contrasts the opening.