Story Structure Basics - Save the Cat
Here’s a quick rundown on one of the classic story structures: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. Originally used for screenwriting but works just as well for novel writing. It also just goes to show that while it’s totally acceptable to steer away from these structures, most stories boil down to the same elements. It may be argued that it becomes repetitive but readers come to expect these beats and plot points and we gotta give the people what they want right?
If you want to learn more, check out the resources at the bottom of this post.
Opening Image: An opening into the main character’s story & gives the readers a first impression.
Set Up: Hints at where the MCs currently are and what might be missing or wrong in their life.
Theme Stated: Subtly lets the reader in on a lesson the
MC will hopefully learn by the end.
Catalyst: Something lite altering happens, leading the characters) on a journey that will change them for good.
Debate: The MC hesitates, trying to turn back from the challenge/ adventure.
Break Into Two: The character(s) decide to take on the adventure and not look back.
7. B Story: A subplot that sticks to the theme and helps the MC reach their end goal.
8. Fun & Games: "Trailer Moments" the readers see the MC thriving or struggling in their new life, but either way it's entertaining.
9. Midpoint: False victory or false defeat that moves the story forward in a major way.
10. Bad Guys Close In: Tension builds, MC's fears or misbeliefs are taking over.
11. All Is Lost: Something happens to put the MC at rock bottom & things seem impossible to turn around.
12. Dark Night of the Soul: MC is at a complete loss & spirals to their lowest point before having an epiphany that circles back to the theme/lesson from the beginning.
13. Break into Three: The main character(s) decide to take what they've learned and put it into action
14. Finale: They confront their fears and apply the lessons they've learned.
15. Final Image: Similar to the opening image, but shows how the MC has changed and what their new life looks like.
Resources:
kindlepreneur.com/save-the-cat-beat-sheet/
blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
savannahgilbo.com/blog/plotting-save-the-cat
Kindle Books:
Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes
Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Or click the link below to buy paper copies & support indie bookstores through Bookshop.org
*This post contains affiliate links and I may earn commission that will help me continue to write and provide helpful blog posts like this one & keep my editing prices attainable for indie authors.
Xoxo
-April Editorial