Save the Cat rankings

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S script analysis

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Holly Golightly’s glamorous yet unmoored life in New York collides with struggling writer Paul Varjak, whose world she upends and ultimately transforms. As Holly pursues freedom and wealth through fleeting relationships, she grapples with her past and the pull of genuine connection. Paul’s steadfast presence and Holly’s revelations about her marriage drive a journey from playful discovery to poignant reckoning. Their bond is tested by secrets and loss before culminating in mutual rescue and understanding.

70 Save the Cat fit score 55% analysis confidence / 83 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Holly’s solitary breakfast at Tiffany’s encapsulates her glamorous yet lonely existence.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 15 / 5% target

65%

Holly remarks “We don’t belong to each other,” foreshadowing the theme of commitment versus freedom.

I mean, he'll just have to wait till he belongs to somebody. We don't belong to each other....
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-8 / Page 1 / 10% target

55%

We meet Holly’s morning routine, her relationships with neighbors, and glimpse her guarded defenses.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / 12% target

50%

Paul Varjak arrives at Holly’s brownstone, introducing the catalyst for her changing world.

5

Debate

Scene 16 / 20% target

50%

Holly debates her role as Paul’s benefactor and her obligations, revealing insecurities under her charm.

You probably read about him. His name is Sally Tomato.
6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / 25% target

50%

Holly visits Paul in his newly decorated apartment, committing to deeper involvement with him.

7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

55%

Their personal stories and vulnerabilities emerge as Holly sleeps and then abruptly leaves Paul’s bed.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 26 / 40% target

60%

Paul and Holly’s trip to sing Sing Sing provides romantic adventure and playful banter.

9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / 50% target

65%

Doc Golightly’s reveal shocks Paul and Holly, shifting the stakes from flirtation to complex reality.

That's me. That's her. And that's her brother Fred.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 41 / 65% target

55%

Holly announces her intention to marry Rusty Trawler, increasing emotional pressure on Paul.

As Miss Golightly was saying before she was so rudely interrupted...Miss Golightly further announces her intention to devote...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 66 / 75% target

60%

Holly breaks down upon learning her brother has died, representing her lowest emotional point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 67 / 80% target

55%

Paul leaves the building for good, doubting if he can save Holly or their relationship.

13

Break into Three

Scene 68 / 85% target

55%

Paul returns to help Holly prepare for her move to Brazil, resolving to act on his love.

14

Finale

Scene 83 / 95% target

60%

Holly abandons her cat but leaps from the car to reconcile with Paul, choosing love over flight.

Come on, darling, we've got to find Cat...
15

Final Image

Scene 83 / 99% target

60%

Holly’s joyful reunion with Paul and Cat mirrors the opening image but now signals true togetherness.