Screenplay data
Darren Shan becomes a half-vampire to save his friend Steve, who attempted to steal blood from the vampire Larten Crepsley at the Cirque du Freak, forcing Darren to fake his own death and join the circus. Darren struggles with his new identity and hunger while bonding with fellow performers and making human friends, unaware of the escalating war between vampires and vampaneze orchestrated by the manipulative Mr. Tiny. During a performance, a vampaneze named Murlough attacks Crepsley, revealing Steve's transformation into a half-vampaneze and leading to the tragic death of Darren's friend Sam by the wolfman. Darren drinks Sam's blood to gain strength, and he and Crepsley defeat Murlough, but Steve escapes with Mr. Tiny, vowing revenge as the Cirque du Freak mourns and prepares to move on.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Teenager Darren Shan’s ordinary world of school pranks and insect hunting collides with the supernatural when his friend Steve introduces him to the Cirque du Freak.
Open full beat sheetDarren Shan is listed as Protagonist. 14-year-old boy, tenacious and diligent, becomes a half-vampire. In the parsed data, Darren Shan is connected to 60 scenes, 175 dialogue lines, 177 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
60 scenes / 175 dialogue linesLarten Crepsley is listed as Vampire Mentor. Ancient vampire, scarred, former general, reluctant mentor. In the parsed data, Larten Crepsley is connected to 37 scenes, 116 dialogue lines, 117 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
37 scenes / 116 dialogue linesSteve Leonard is listed as Antagonist. Darren's friend, troubled, vicious streak, becomes half-vampaneze. In the parsed data, Steve Leonard is connected to 22 scenes, 57 dialogue lines, 57 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
22 scenes / 57 dialogue linesEvra Von is listed as Cirque Performer. Thin boy with green-tinged hair and scales. In the parsed data, Evra Von is connected to 12 scenes, 17 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 47.
12 scenes / 17 dialogue linesDebbie is listed as Friend. Self-assured girl, Sam's cousin. In the parsed data, Debbie is connected to 9 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 48.
9 scenes / 10 dialogue linesMr. Tiny is listed as Mysterious Entity. Profiteer, powerful, manipulative, orchestrator of events. In the parsed data, Mr. Tiny is connected to 7 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.
7 scenes / 8 dialogue linesMr. Tall is listed as Proprietor of Cirque du Freak. Gaunt, elegant, mysterious leader of the freak show. In the parsed data, Mr. Tall is connected to 6 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
6 scenes / 19 dialogue linesSam is listed as Friend. Sarcastic boy, Debbie's cousin. In the parsed data, Sam is connected to 6 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 48.
6 scenes / 3 dialogue linesMurlough is listed as Vampaneze. Bloated, albino-white skin, red veins, vampire killer. In the parsed data, Murlough is connected to 6 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.
6 scenes / 3 dialogue linesAnnie Shan is listed as Darren's Sister. 9-year-old sister. In the parsed data, Annie Shan is connected to 5 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
5 scenes / 5 dialogue linesGavner Purl is listed as Vampire Warrior. Scarred warrior, former assistant to Crepsley. In the parsed data, Gavner Purl is connected to 3 scenes, 30 dialogue lines, 32 text mentions, first appearing around scene 52.
3 scenes / 30 dialogue linesMr. Dalton is listed as Teacher. Science teacher. In the parsed data, Mr. Dalton is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 3.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesDarren tries to catch a spider in a jar while Steve interrupts him, leading to a prank.
Darren Shan, Steve LeonardDarren and Steve play soccer, leading to a confrontation with a goalie and the appearance of a mysterious car.
Darren Shan, Steve LeonardMr. Dalton teaches a class while Steve researches the Cirque du Freak on a computer.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Mr. DaltonSteve tries to convince Darren that vampires are real.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Annie ShanSteve steals money from Darren's mother's purse.
Steve LeonardDarren's parents forbid him from sleeping over at Steve's house.
Darren Shan, Annie ShanDarren and Steve arrive at the theater for the show.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Mr. TallThe Cirque du Freak performance takes place.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten Crepsley, Mr. Tall, Evra VonSteve goes backstage to find Crepsley, and Darren follows.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten CrepsleyDarren hides while Steve attempts to steal blood from a fridge; Crepsley confronts Steve.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten CrepsleyDarren walks home with Madam Octa's cage.
Darren ShanDarren's father confronts him about sneaking out and the freak show.
Darren ShanSteve visits Darren; Madam Octa escapes and bites Steve.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Annie ShanSteve is rushed to the hospital; Darren is questioned by Dr. Lund.
Darren Shan, Steve LeonardDarren seeks Crepsley's help to save Steve; they become blood brothers.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyCrepsley administers the antidote to Steve.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten CrepsleySteve shows Darren a mouse and a snake, attempting to intimidate him. Darren intervenes to save the mouse, revealing his supernatural reflexes.
Darren Shan, Steve LeonardAfter class, Steve confronts Darren about his dream and the spider, leading to a physical altercation.
Darren Shan, Steve LeonardDarren walks home and gives the mouse to Annie. They encounter a dog that reacts strangely to Darren.
Darren Shan, Annie ShanDarren's mother cuts her finger, and Darren experiences a terrifying, vampiric hunger for her blood.
Darren ShanDarren examines his reflection and realizes he is changing.
Darren ShanDarren meets Crepsley and they discuss the necessity of faking Darren's death.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyDarren says goodbye to his parents and sister before faking his death.
Darren Shan, Annie ShanCrepsley administers a potion to Darren to slow his heart and fake his death.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyDarren falls from his window and is discovered by his parents.
Darren ShanThe medical examiner decides not to perform an autopsy on Darren.
Larten CrepsleyFriends and family pay their respects to Darren in his coffin.
Darren Shan, Steve LeonardCrepsley digs up Darren's coffin and revives him.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleySteve confronts Darren with a wooden stake, but Darren overpowers him.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten CrepsleyDarren and Crepsley hide from the sun in a motel room.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyCrepsley explains his history and the aging process of vampires.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyCrepsley feeds on a woman and tries to force Darren to drink, but Darren refuses.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyMr. Tiny confronts Darren while Crepsley disappears.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. TinyMr. Tiny uses his watch to show Darren a battle between Crepsley and three Vampaneze.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. TinyCrepsley fights three Vampaneze in the flitting world while Mr. Tiny keeps Darren in a booth.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. TinyThe fight spills into the real world as the Vampaneze is thrown against the wall.
Larten CrepsleyCrepsley continues fighting in the flitting world, suffering a broken arm.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. TinyCrepsley appears in the real world and continues the fight.
Larten CrepsleyDarren and Mr. Tiny encounter Murlough outside.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. Tiny, MurloughDarren and Crepsley flee from Murlough while flitting.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, MurloughMurlough is hit by a pick-up truck.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, MurloughDarren and Crepsley travel toward Pennsylvania.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyCrepsley and Darren find shelter in an abandoned cabin.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyCrepsley hides in the root cellar.
Larten CrepsleyDarren and Crepsley discuss the Vampaneze and Mr. Tiny.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyDarren and Crepsley return to the Cirque du Freak.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. Tall, Evra VonDarren and Evra bond while walking through the camp.
Darren Shan, Evra VonDarren and Evra meet Debbie and Sam at the show.
Darren Shan, Evra Von, Debbie, SamMr. Tall introduces the show.
Mr. TallCrepsley and Darren perform with Madam Octa.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyThe Cirque performers celebrate after the show.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. Tall, Evra VonDarren and Crepsley prepare for sleep.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyGavner Purl confronts Crepsley and Darren.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Gavner PurlGavner Purl talks to Darren about being a vampire.
Darren Shan, Gavner PurlDarren tries to flit.
Darren Shan, Evra VonDarren and Evra find Debbie and Sam.
Darren Shan, Evra Von, Debbie, SamDarren and Evra find Sam in the factory; Debbie surprises them, and they discuss their differences.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Evra Von, Debbie, SamDebbie and Darren walk on rafters; Darren falls but saves himself.
Darren Shan, Evra Von, Debbie, SamDarren visits Crepsley; Crepsley urges him to feed.
Darren Shan, Larten CrepsleyMr. Tiny confronts Darren during the show; Murlough attacks Crepsley.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. Tiny, Murlough, Debbie, SamMurlough holds Darren captive; Steve reveals he is half-vampaneze.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, MurloughSam is killed by the wolfman; Darren drinks Sam's blood to gain strength.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Evra Von, Debbie, SamDarren and Crepsley fight Murlough and Steve; Murlough is killed.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten Crepsley, Murlough, DebbieDarren confronts Steve on the rafters; Steve escapes.
Darren Shan, Steve Leonard, Larten Crepsley, DebbieSteve escapes in Mr. Tiny's car.
Steve Leonard, Mr. TinyThe group mourns Sam and prepares to leave.
Darren Shan, Larten Crepsley, Mr. Tall, Evra Von, DebbieI was raised in a circus, but not a nice one like this. The owner used to beat me and keep me in a glass cage. I felt like a useless freak. One night I looked out of my cage and saw Mr. Tall just standing there. He watched me until the owner came over and asked if he could help him. Mr. Tall grabbed him by the throat and strangled him to death. Then he opened the cage and said, "Let's go, Evra." He named me that. I added the Von. I've been with him ever since.
No. It's that they live so long they no longer care. Everything they love is left behind until they finally have nothing left to live for. Except death. The fact that he's taken an apprentice seems, to me, a good sign. A sign that he's thinking of living not dying.
Long ago humans were looked upon as animals by some vampires. Cattle to be slaughtered. Laws were passed to forbid needless killing. It made it easier to pass unnoticed among humans if we didn't murder them. Most vampires obeyed...
That's how it would start. I would swear it was just to stay alive. But what'll I turn into? You're on one side of the fence or the other. My father used to say that and now I know what he meant.
.Bringing the remarkable and grotesque to generations. Our freaks are not people in masks. They are not harmless misfits. What you see tonight is real. Each performer unique. None harmless.
Okay, sometimes, when humans fight? They fight at the same time. And no one knows it. Like at the Battle of Stalingrad they fought at the same time the Russians and Germans were fighting.
We can die violently. Accidentally or otherwise. But we also grow old. A full vampire will age one year for every ten human years he's alive. A half-vampire like you: one for every five.
I'm going to hunt you, Darren. You and the other one. Crepsley. I'll put a stake in you and burn you to ashes. I'll make sure you never come back from the grave again.
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