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Coriolanus script analysis

Coriolanus script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Coriolanus, a proud Roman general, achieves military glory but struggles with political popularity. After being exiled for defying the mob, he allies with his enemy, Aufidius, to invade Rome. His mother’s plea halts the siege but costs him respect on both sides, leading to his tragic murder by former Volscian allies.

85 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 57 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

62%

Aufidius sharpens a knife while watching news of Roman unrest, setting a tone of violence and rivalry.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

65%

Citizens discuss grievances against the Roman state, foreshadowing the conflict between duty and the common people.

Before we proceed any further, hear me speak -- You are all resolved rather to die than to...
3

Set-Up

Scene 6 / 10% target

70%

Martius plans war against the Volsces, establishing his ambition and Rome’s politics.

I sin in envying his nobility, And were I any thing but what I am, I would wish...
4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / 12% target

68%

Aufidius swears to kill Martius in revenge, igniting their personal feud.

If we and Caius Martius chance to meet, 'Tis sworn between us we shall ever STRIKE Till one...
5

Debate

Scene 12 / 20% target

72%

Martius and Aufidius fight hand-to-hand, testing whether Martius can best his rival.

I'll fight with none but thee, for I do hate thee.
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / 25% target

66%

Tribunes openly criticize Martius’s pride, pushing him from battlefield hero to political battleground.

Was ever man so proud as is this Martius?
7

B Story

Scene 17 / 30% target

60%

Coriolanus is formally named, introducing his family relationships and personal loyalties.

Be it known, As to us, to all the world, that Caius MARTIUS Wears this war's garland And...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 24 / 40% target

64%

Menenius coaches Coriolanus on public speaking, providing comic relief and character bonding.

Have you not known The worthiest men have done it?
9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / 50% target

69%

Tribunes intercept Coriolanus, leading to violent confrontation—stakes escalate politically.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

60%

Montage of his exile journey shows external pressures closing in and his isolation.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 43 / 75% target

67%

Aufidius gives Coriolanus command against Rome, marking his full betrayal of home.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 46 / 80% target

63%

Volumnia watches the news of her son’s betrayal, reflecting despair and regret.

13

Break into Three

Scene 49 / 85% target

68%

Menenius decides to personally appeal to Coriolanus, forging a plan to save Rome.

He would not seem to know me.
14

Finale

Scene 54 / 95% target

71%

Aufidius murders Coriolanus, completing the tragic arc and consequences of his pride.

Ay, traitor, Martius.
15

Final Image

Scene 57 / 99% target

66%

Volumnia watches her son’s body on TV, mirroring the opening's media imagery while underscoring loss.