Save the Cat rankings

Charade script analysis

Charade script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Charade opens with mysterious deaths that thrusts Reggie into a deadly intrigue. She wrestles with danger and trust as Peter Joshua enters her life, leading to escalating chases and betrayals. At the midpoint she calls for outside help, but the villains close in until a near-catastrophe. The climax reveals the true mastermind and resolves her relationship with Adam.

78 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 88 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

The film’s first image is a man thrown from a train, setting a tone of sudden violence.

2

Theme Stated

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

75%

Early dialogue about divorce and not loving Charles hints at themes of trust and identity.

Because I don't love him.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

78%

We meet Reggie, learn of Charles’s double life, and see her independence and vulnerability established.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 3 / 12% target

80%

Reggie’s husband’s body is identified at the morgue, propelling her into the mystery.

5

Debate

Scenes 9-11 / Pages 3-6 / 20% target

70%

Reggie questions whether to engage with Peter and the police’s revelations about her late husband.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 4 / 25% target

75%

Peter Joshua appears in Reggie’s empty apartment, marking her step into the dangerous new world.

7

B Story

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 30% target

72%

Reggie confides her fear to Peter at the puppet show, beginning their emotional arc.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-20 / Pages 6-8 / 40% target

78%

The ‘orange game’ sequence and hotel attacks deliver the thrills promised by the premise.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / Page 10 / 50% target

80%

Reggie calls Bartholomew with a new suspect—Peter Joshua—shifting control.

-- But I am calm, Mr. Bartholomew -- what I called to tell you was there's someone else...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-33 / Pages 10-12 / 65% target

75%

Peter’s alarm setup fails, triggering a chase as Reggie flees through the lobby.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 43 / Page 16 / 75% target

80%

Scobie falls from the rooftop, killing him and showing the killers’ ruthlessness.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 53 / Page 17 / 80% target

75%

Scobie’s corpse in the bathtub leaves Reggie and allies demoralized.

Now who'da done a mean thing like that?
13

Break into Three

Scene 61 / Page 20 / 85% target

78%

On the Seine boat, Dyle reveals his true identity and Reggie regains resolve.

14

Finale

Scenes 81-84 / Pages 25-27 / 95% target

80%

In the Palais Royal and Comédie Française, Reggie outwits Carson/Dyle and Grandpierre arrests him.

Reggie -- stop! That's Carson Dyle!
15

Final Image

Scene 88 / Page 29 / 99% target

80%

At the Embassy, Reggie learns Adam’s true identity, closing the arc of deception.