Save the Cat rankings

10 Things I Hate About You script analysis

10 Things I Hate About You script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

10 Things I Hate About You follows Cameron’s attempt to date Bianca Stratford, which requires wooing her antisocial sister Kat through a paid bet with bad-boy Patrick Verona. As Cameron and Michael plot, Patrick and Kat’s antagonism gives way to genuine connection. The young lovers face betrayals and secrets at the prom, leading to a dramatic fallout and heartfelt reconciliation. In the end, honesty and vulnerability restore relationships and family unity.

80 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 89 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

75%

Kat’s hostile arrival at school establishes her fierce, uncompromising character as the visual tone setter.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / 5% target

80%

The Stratford dating rule—“You burn, you pine, you perish”—hints at themes of love’s risks and personal boundaries.

You burn, you pine, you perish?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-9 / 10% target

85%

Introduces Kat, Bianca, Cameron, Patrick, and the school world, plus the obstacle that Bianca can’t date until Kat does.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / 12% target

78%

Michael and Cameron decide Cameron must date Bianca, igniting the central plot to enlist Patrick to woo Kat.

5

Debate

Scenes 15-16 / 20% target

76%

Cameron wrestling with asking Bianca out and planning how to involve Patrick highlights the uncertain stakes.

6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / 25% target

88%

Joey contracts Patrick to date Kat, moving the story into the ‘upside‐down’ dating world of Act Two.

I want you to go out with her.
7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

79%

Kat opens up about family and college plans to Mandella just as Patrick enters, setting up their personal arc.

So he has this huge raging fit about Sarah Lawrence and insists that I go to his male-dominated,...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 37 / 40% target

74%

Patrick, Cameron, and Michael plot how to win over Kat in a pub strategy session, showcasing the ‘promise of the premise.’

What've you got for me?
9

Midpoint

Scene 43 / 50% target

83%

At Bogey’s party, Kat’s drunken karaoke becomes a high‐stakes public moment, marking the emotional midpoint.

Wait -- was that?-- Did your hairline just recede?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 61 / 65% target

77%

Joey increases the payoff for Patrick, escalating pressure and jeopardizing genuine connection.

I don't know, Dorsey. ..the limo.-the flowers. Another hundred for the tux --
11

All Is Lost

Scene 82 / 75% target

90%

Kat learns Patrick was paid to date her—her worst fear realized—signaling the story’s darkest moment.

You were paid to take me out! By -- the one person I truly hate. I knew it...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 83 / 80% target

81%

Kat’s argument with her father underscores her feeling of betrayal and isolation.

Yeah. She left with some bikers Big ones. Full of sperm.
13

Break into Three

Scene 84 / 85% target

75%

Cameron’s apology to Kat starts the emotional turnaround, pushing toward resolution.

I'd like to express my apologies.
14

Finale

Scene 87 / 95% target

92%

Kat publicly reads her poem, finally expressing true feelings and reconciling with Patrick.

I hate your big dumb combat boots/ and the way you read my mind/ I hate you so...
15

Final Image

Scene 89 / 99% target

80%

The family barbecue and old photos reflect restored relationships and a hopeful future.