Save the Cat rankings

300 script analysis

300 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A young Spartan boy is trained in brutal Agoge rites and rises to become King Leonidas, who defies Persian demands and leads 300 Spartans to the Hot Gates. Betrayal by Ephialtes and political machinations back home test their resolve. Despite overwhelming odds, Leonidas and his men make a defiant last stand, inspiring future resistance.

75 Save the Cat fit score 67% analysis confidence / 22 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces harsh Spartan training and the boy’s brutal indoctrination.

When the boy was born, like all Spartans, he was inspected.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 10 / 5% target

65%

Gorgo articulates freedom and duty as the core question for a “free man.”

Instead ask yourself, my dearest love, what should a free man do?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / 10% target

60%

The boy’s prowess in the wild and his return to Sparta establish his destiny.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

70%

A Persian envoy demands Spartan submission, sparking the conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 10 / 20% target

65%

Leonidas and Gorgo discuss the threat and weigh Sparta’s response.

6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / 25% target

70%

Leonidas kills the messenger, committing to open defiance and Act Two.

Madness? This is Sparta!
7

B Story

Scene 16 / 30% target

60%

Gorgo’s political struggle over Theron’s betrayal underscores personal stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / 40% target

65%

Leonidas bonds with allies as the army marches toward Thermopylae.

You see, old friend? I brought more soldiers than you did.
9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / 50% target

70%

The Spartans arrive at the Hot Gates and face the vast Persian host.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 17 / 65% target

65%

Xerxes secures Ephialtes’ betrayal, tightening the noose on Sparta.

Your Gods were cruel to shape you so, friend Ephialtes. But I am kind. Everything you could ever...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 19 / 75% target

65%

News arrives of Ephialtes leading Persian forces against the pass.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 20 / 80% target

70%

Leonidas parts with Dilios, sensing their certain doom.

13

Break into Three

Scene 21 / 85% target

60%

Gorgo exposes Theron and takes decisive action at the council, resetting hope.

We are at War, Gentlemen ... We must send the entire Spartan Army to aid our King.
14

Finale

Scene 22 / 95% target

70%

The 300 make their heroic last stand against overwhelming Persian forces.

15

Final Image

Scene 22 / 99% target

60%

Mirrors the opening brutality with a somber image of fallen warriors.