Save the Cat rankings

CAROL script analysis

CAROL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Therese, a shop girl and aspiring photographer, meets elegant Carol in a New York department store. Their unlikely friendship blossoms into a forbidden romance as they navigate Carol’s divorce, societal pressures, and personal doubts. After a series of challenges culminating in a custody battle and a stolen suitcase, they choose to run together westward, only to face a poignant morning of separation.

80 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 92 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

20%

Introduces Therese’s ordinary world amid commuters at a subway station.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

20%

Jack’s bar remark hints at longing for change and deeper connection.

Not much going on for a Friday.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 7-15 / Pages 2-10 / 10% target

20%

Therese’s daily routine at Frankenberg’s and her budding fascination with Carol establish character dynamics and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 12% target

20%

Therese’s first direct encounter with Carol sparks the central relationship.

Jack, this is Carol Aird.
5

Debate

Scenes 35-36 / Page 12 / 20% target

20%

Therese hesitates over Carol’s invitation to lunch, weighing propriety versus desire.

Oh, shit - sorry. What I mean to say - Do you get a lunch hour there? -...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 37-38 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

20%

Therese steps into Carol’s world by joining her for lunch, leaving her old life behind.

7

B Story

Scene 47 / Page 19 / 30% target

20%

Dannie introduces photography as both Therese’s passion and a metaphor for seeing truth.

Don’t worry, nothing’s gonna break if you pick it up. You want a sandwich?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 54-56 / Pages 22-23 / 40% target

20%

Carol and Therese share idyllic moments decorating a Christmas tree and taking photographs.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 58-59 / Pages 24-25 / 50% target

20%

Therese overhears Carol’s marital conflict, raising the stakes of their affair.

... that’s not fair, Harge. We agreed that Rindy would stay with me until Christmas Eve.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 80 / Page 30 / 65% target

20%

Carol learns Harge is seeking sole custody, threatening their future together.

Just - give it to me, straight, Fred. What am I not to worry about until after the...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 88 / Page 26 / 75% target

20%

Carol’s suitcase is stolen by an agent of her husband, leaving them stranded and exposed.

Where’s my suitcase?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 89 / Page 27 / 80% target

20%

Therese disposes of the gun, symbolizing the end of their escape plan and deepest despair.

earliest flight into LaGuardia is tomorrow afternoon... Oh Abby, I don’t know how to fix this - I...
13

Break into Three

Scene 90 / Pages 27-28 / 85% target

20%

They decide to continue together despite setbacks, renewing their commitment.

I’m sorry. What am I thinking? I’m thinking that I am utterly selfish. And I-
14

Finale

Scene 91 / Page 28 / 95% target

20%

Carol and Therese share one last night in Chicago, embracing their love fully.

15

Final Image

Scene 92 / Page 28 / 99% target

20%

Therese wakes alone, underscoring the bittersweet cost of their choices.