Save the Cat rankings

Four Feathers script analysis

Four Feathers script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Harry Feversham, shamed by white feathers, enlists in Sudan to redeem himself. After daring desert exploits and a perilous prison rescue of his friend Trench, he hits rock bottom before finding renewed purpose. He returns home triumphant, reclaiming honor and love.

80 Save the Cat fit score 5% analysis confidence / 43 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Harry and Durrance competing in cavalry drills, showing their bond and Harry’s initial confidence.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Harry reads of British defeat, hinting that true courage and honor must be tested beyond comfort.

British defeat in the Sudan! Hundreds dead!...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

10%

We meet Harry’s world at barracks, his friendship with Durrance, and the impact of war news on their lives.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 12% target

10%

The newspaper headline of British defeat spurs public panic and personal crisis.

British defeat in the Sudan! Hundreds dead!...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

10%

Harry faces shame and pressure after receiving white feathers and debates his self-worth and next steps.

There's someone to see you Sir. They're waiting upstairs...
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 3 / 25% target

10%

Harry commits to the Sudan campaign, leaving his safe London life for the desert front.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 5 / 30% target

10%

Durrance’s proposal to Ethne introduces the love subplot and stakes of personal relationships.

Ethne...I've asked her to marry me...You probably gathered that from the letter.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-16 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

10%

Harry negotiates with Abou Fatma and adapts to desert life, showcasing new skills and camaraderie.

9

Midpoint

Scene 27 / Page 9 / 50% target

10%

Harry’s daring prison infiltration and rescue of Trench marks a false victory and major turn.

...I'd come to rescue you...but now that you've rescued me...I have to save you twice...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 10-11 / 65% target

10%

In the brutal prison courtyard, Harry fights for survival and the guards tighten control.

...Trench. Food. You have to eat.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 37 / Page 13 / 75% target

10%

Harry and Trench resolve to take poison, believing escape and survival impossible.

...My feather...I'd like it back...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 38-39 / Pages 13-14 / 80% target

10%

They are pronounced dead and thrown into the river; Harry hits his lowest point before miraculous survival.

13

Break into Three

Scene 40 / Page 14 / 85% target

10%

Harry confronts and kills Idris, reclaiming agency and forging a path back to life.

14

Finale

Scenes 41-43 / Pages 15-16 / 95% target

10%

Harry returns to England, reconciles with Ethne, and honors his commitments at the wedding.

I'd still like it back. I have three of them, I'd like four.
15

Final Image

Scene 43 / Page 16 / 99% target

10%

The wedding scene echoes the opening image’s themes of honor and redemption fulfilled.