Do you have a great story itching to be written, but have no idea how to structure it? This article is purrfect for you! Today, we’re going to talk about the Save the Cat story structure, a handy cheat sheet roadmap for structuring your story beat by beat, and it’s surprisingly easy to follow. Plus, we’ll reveal how you can use ChatGPT as your personal brainstorming buddy to make every beat more creative than ever.
What Is Save the Cat Beat?
At its core, Save the Cat is basically a plotting template created by screenwriter Blake Snyder.
It has the familiar beginning, middle, and end (Acts 1, 2, and 3) of a story. What makes it different is that Snyder zooms in further by identifying the 15 key moments or ‘beats’ in the act structure.
Keep in mind that Synder’s Save the Cat Beat is more than just tips for memorable scenes. As we mentioned earlier in the introduction, it’s a comprehensive, meticulous roadmap.
So, how about the name? Well, it comes from Snyder’s idea that a hero does an admirable act, like saving a cat, early in the story to win the readers over.
How to Use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet?
Intrigued about how you can use the Save the Cat for structuring your story? Follow the steps below.
Just a heads up. Even though it’s technically a template, following these steps often makes your story feel more natural and well-paced!
Most importantly, Snyder’s suggestions are not strict. You can adjust as needed —think of them as signposts guiding the direction of your story!
Step 1. Divide Your Story Into Three Acts
First things first, split your story into three main chunks:
- Act 1: The Beginning (25% of the story)
- Act 2: The Middle (50% of the story)
- Act 3: The End (25% of the story).
So, if you’re writing a 10,000-word story, you’d be looking at about 2,500 words for Act 1, 5,000 for Act 2, and 2,500 for Act 3.
Step 2. Add the Beats
Remember, we said that Save the Cat zooms in? Well, within those acts in step 1, you’ll have multiple scenes or beats.
Again, you don’t need to stress yourself too much about the word count per scene. Just aim for enough length to make your message clear and engaging so that readers stay hooked.
The main goal is to fit the beats within the acts. Let’s take a closer how to incorporate the 15 beats:
Act I
If you can recall, Act I is 25% of your story, and this is where you’ll set everything up and kick things off. This act has the first six beats:
Beat #1 Opening Image
Beat #1 is basically a quick snapshot – a single scene (if you will) – showing your protagonist’s life before the adventure begins. This beat can also include a hint of the main character’s flaw or looming problem.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagonist is a [description]. Give me 5 short scene ideas for an opening image, showing his/her ordinary world and hinting at his/her hidden [skills/talents/passion].Beat #2 Theme Stated (5%)
This is a scene in which another character (other than the protagonist, of course) mentions the story’s core lesson or theme. The protagonist often ignores it, but stating the theme early on helps readers understand the story.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My book's theme is [insert your theme]. Give me 3 dialogue snippets where a side character could subtly state this theme to my protagonist. Beat #3 Set-up (1% – 10%)
Beat #3 is basically painting a fuller picture using several scenes. It shows the main character’s world, routine, goal, and life (good and bad). In this beat, supporting characters are also introduced. Basically, the whole point of this beat is to set up the upcoming journey.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagonist is a [description] with a [insert flaw] flaw. Suggest five supporting characters who could highlight the protagonist's flaw. Briefly describe their potential relationship. Beat #4 Catalyst (10%)
This will be the inciting incident that will shatter the protagonist’s ordinary world. It could be a phone call, an unexpected visit, or a weird portal opening up —whatever event that will be, it forces the main character onto a new path.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagonist is living in a [description of the world]. Can you give me five different 'catalyst' event ideas that could force them outside their comfort zone and confront the story's [insert goal/problem]. Beat #5 Debate (10%-20%)
In every book or film, you’ll notice that the protagonist hesitates, questions, and doubts the new adventure. “How should I do it?” or even “Should I do it at all?” Well, that’s what happens in beat #5, which is a result of the change in beat #4 (Catalyst) introduced.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagonist just experienced the [insert catalyst from beat #4]. They're hesistant. Can you write a short internal monologue or a dialogue scene with a friend where they debate the pros and cons of going forward? Make sure to focus on the protagonist's biggest fear. Beat #6 Break Into 2 (20%)
After debating and questioning, the main character decides to embrace adventure, leaving their comfort zone and actively entering the new, upside-down world of Act 2.
This scene bridges the beginning (Act 1) and the story’s development (Act 2).
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
Generate three different ways for my protagonist could commit to a new adventure [give more context about the adventure]. Make one driven by determination, one by necessity, and one by accident. Act 2A
If you’ve made it this far, congrats! Welcome to Act 2A or the first half of Act 2 (remember, 50% is Act 2, so Act 2A is 25%). In this act, the protagonist learns more about the new world and the adventure he is about to embark on.
Beat #7 B Story (22%)
A budding love interest, a mentor, or a rival-turned-friend —every story has a B story or a subplot! This relationship carries the story’s theme, which ultimately contributes to the protagonist’s understanding of the lesson of the story (more on this later!).
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
I need a B story character or relationship to help my protagonist learn the story's theme [insert theme]. My protagonist is a [insert description].
Suggest 3 potentional B story characters and briefly explain how their dynamic could teach the theme. Beat #8 Fun and Games (20% to 50%)
Beat #8 is basically the ‘promise of the premise,’ which means readers get to witness the hero navigating the new world, learning new skills, facing challenges, and having some wins.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My story's core concept is [insert the concept]. Brainstorm 5 fun and games scene ideas showing the protagonist trying to adapt, highlighting humor and challengenes of the situation. Beat #9 Midpoint (50%)
‘False victory.’ Every story has it. The protagonist thinks they’ve succeeded, but whoops, they were wrong. Another option is a ‘false defeat,’ which strengthens the main character (even though things look bleak).
Depending on how you want to proceed with the story, this false defeat can either galvanize the main character or paint a clearer picture of the hero’s real goal.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagonist is currently in a situation [describe the situation]. I need a midpoint twist. Give me one 'false victory' idea and 'false idea' idea. False victory means they win a minor goal but attract the villain's attention, while false defeat means a major setback. Act 2B
We’re still in the middle, but after the Beat #9, things get more serious, stakes are higher, and consequences start creeping in.
Beat #10 Bad Guys Close In (50% to 75%)
Whether the Midpoint was a ‘false victory’ or a ‘false defeat,’ the pressure now mounts for the protagonist due to antagonistic forces (villains, internal doubts, etc). In short, things get progressively harder.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
After the Midpoint scene [describe the scene briefly], how can the bad guys close in? suggest 3 ways the opposing force could apply direct pressure or undermine the protagonist's effort. Beat #11 All Is Lost (75%)
This is rock bottom. A significant event or a whiff of death (a mentor dies, a love interest leaves, or a villain has access to the ultimate happen) pushes the protagonist onto a downward path.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
I need a devastating 'All Is Lost' moment for my story about [insert story concept]. My protagonist goal is to [insert goal]. What event could happen that shatters their hope of achieving their goal? Give me three options. Beat #12 Dark Night of the Soul (75% to 80%)
Faced with defeat and a loss of the B Story (remember, Act 2A Beat #7), the protagonist internally reflects on everything they’ve been through and how they got there.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagonist just experienced [insert what happened in the All Is Lost]. Write a short, relective scene. Show them feeling hopeless but perhaps subconsciously grasping theme of [insert story theme]. You can also use a symbolic image or memory. Beat #13 Break Into 3 (80%)
Eureka! After wallowing in the dark, the protagonist has an epiphany and heads on an upward path. They figure out the real solution or find the inner strength to continue, all thanks to the reflection in Beat #12.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My protagnist just went through a reflective moment and needs an idea. Based on the story's theme [insert theme] and their experience with [B story character], brainstorm 3 possible 'aha!' moments that give them a new, theme-infused plan to [defeat the antagonist/solve the story's problem].Act 3
This is the third and final part of your story (25%), and you must tie up all the loose ends.
Beat #14 The Finale (80% to 99%)
The big showdown happens in this beat. The protagonist executes the plan from Beat 13, confronts the main source of the conflict, and proves they are ready for the climax and have learned their lesson.
But don’t forget, you must also offer a great ending consisting of these five parts:
- Gather the team: The protagonist gathers their allies and the tools, weapons, and supplies needed to execute the plan.
- Let’s get to work: It’s time for your protagonist (and their team) to execute the plan. There may be minor casualties, but they drive the protagonist’s efforts.
- The High Tower Surprise: An unexpected plot twist or obstacle that complicates the plan.
- Going Deeper: A risky Plan B, where the protagonist searches deep within themselves and realizes that they have to overcome their fear (internal antagonist) and confront the antagonist (external antagonist).
- Executing the New Plan: By ridding themselves of their internal flaw and the external antagonist, the protagonist succeeds.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
Help me structure the finale of my story about [insert description]. The main conflict is [insert conflict]. My protagonist's plan is to [insert plan], whil e their inter lesson learned is [insert lesson].
Outline a possible 5-part sequence including an unexpected plot twist and how they dig deep down using the lesson. Beat #15 Final Image (99% to 100%)
Beat #15 is the final scene of your story, and it should mirror your Beat #1 Opening Image. The difference is that the final snapshot is about the protagonist’s life and transformation after the victory.
ChatGPT Idea Prompt:
My opening image showed [insert description]. My protagonist now has changed by [insert how they changed]. Give me three scene ideas for a final image that contrasts with the opening and clearly shows my protagonist's positive transformation. The Cat’s Out of the Bag (And the Story’s Structured!)
And there you have it!
The Save the Cat Beat simplifies the otherwise cluttered way of story writing by using key beats in each act, which, in return, helps with pacing and story arc.
If you are struggling to come up with a beat, remember, ChatGPT can be your brainstorming buddy for every act and beat!
So, what about you? Have you used this structure before? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!