Save the Cat rankings

BAD TEACHER script analysis

BAD TEACHER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Elizabeth Halsey, a cynical middle school teacher recently dumped by her fiancé, resorts to petty schemes and embezzlement to fund cosmetic surgery. When a new substitute, Scott, arrives, she begins to change her behavior, only to plunge further into test-tampering and deception. A class trip to Washington D.C. forces her misdeeds into the open, leading to a public scandal and personal reckoning. Ultimately, Elizabeth emerges humbled, ready for a fresh start.

75 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 93 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

A janitor strips letters from the school marquee, symbolizing endings and a world stripped bare.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

45%

At the year-end party, Elizabeth’s hollow attitude hints at the theme of needing integrity over cynicism.

Well, it's been another great year here at JAMS.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 3-6 / 10% target

40%

We meet Elizabeth during end-of-year clean-up, see her catch students smoking, flip off the school, and arrive at her fiancé’s house.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 12% target

50%

Elizabeth discovers her fiancé cheating, igniting her desire for quick cash and revenge.

Here's to me never having to work again. And I owe it all to you, Lover.
5

Debate

Scenes 13-14 / Pages 13-14 / 20% target

40%

Over lunch with Lynn and back home, Elizabeth debates whether to find a new man or fund surgery herself.

From now on, my full-time job will be finding a guy who will take care of me.
6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 25% target

45%

Meeting Scott, the new sub, prompts Elizabeth to shift from apathy to scheming for extra cash.

Scott Delacorte. I'm the new sub.
7

B Story

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 30% target

45%

Scott’s arrival introduces a potential romantic and moral counterpoint to Elizabeth’s con games.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 26-36 / Pages 26-36 / 40% target

40%

Elizabeth runs a sexy car wash, steals from lost-and-found, scams parents, and sells stolen goods for surgery funds.

9

Midpoint

Scene 32 / Page 32 / 50% target

50%

Her attempt to ask Scott out backfires when he reveals he’s dating Amy, marking a false victory turned defeat.

Oh. Um, listen, I'm really flattered. You're one of the nicest people I've met here. But... I'm actually...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 56-57 / Pages 56-57 / 65% target

45%

Police bring drug dogs to school, and Amy intensifies her crusade, closing in on Elizabeth’s illicit behavior.

Enough, Amy. I think it's time we call off this witch-hunt.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 64-65 / Pages 64-65 / 75% target

50%

Elizabeth drugs Carl to steal tests, then swaps real exams—her biggest con yet, leaving her fully compromised.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 66-67 / Pages 66-67 / 80% target

45%

Winning the bonus award feels hollow as Amy’s suspicion and Scott’s judgment shadow her triumph.

I've got my eye on someone, but he's dating a major cunt.
13

Break into Three

Scene 79 / Page 79 / 85% target

50%

After an awkward sexual encounter where Scott admits he loves Amy, Elizabeth decides to confront her wrongdoings.

I'm in love with Amy.
14

Finale

Scenes 83-90 / Pages 83-90 / 95% target

45%

Elizabeth rescues Garrett in D.C., returns amid a media circus, cancels her surgery, and faces school authorities in a final reckoning.

15

Final Image

Scene 93 / Page 93 / 99% target

50%

A year later, Elizabeth starts fresh with a new look and genuine enthusiasm in her classroom.

No, in recovery. And I looked like ass, so I know it's real.