Save the Cat rankings

LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN script analysis

LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Deputy DA Nick Rice prosecutes the bungled execution of a killer, Clyde Shelton, who then orchestrates an elaborate revenge from prison. As evidence mounts and bodies fall, Nick grapples with moral boundaries and the safety of his own family. In a final showdown, procedural ingenuity meets personal stakes in a bomb-laden courtroom.

80 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 118 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

75%

Clyde’s panicked 911 call establishes the emotional stakes and tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / 5% target

80%

Clyde challenges the DA’s faith in the justice system when he asks “Can you? Really? You?”

When I found my wife and child dead, my little girl's eyes were open. The last thing she...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Page 1 / 10% target

78%

Introduction of Clyde’s loss, the plea deal and the investigators sets up characters and world.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 21-22 / 12% target

85%

The execution of Ames goes horribly wrong, triggering the revenge plot.

5

Debate

Scenes 23-27 / 20% target

80%

Nick’s team debates whether to trust Clyde’s confession offer.

6

Break into Two

Scene 36 / 25% target

80%

Clyde refuses to speak to anyone but Nick, forcing the DA personally into the case.

7

B Story

Scenes 14-15 / 30% target

75%

Nick’s relationship with his wife Kell and daughter Emma grounds his personal stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 43 / 40% target

78%

Clyde reveals his hacking methods, showcasing his lethal ingenuity.

I hacked the Fedex database, diverted the package to me, made the switch, sent the package on. It's...
9

Midpoint

Scene 51 / 50% target

82%

Discovery of the victim’s body confirms Clyde’s puzzle pieces and anticipation.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 58 / 65% target

85%

Claymore mines detonate at the grave site, escalating danger.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 82 / 75% target

88%

A car bombing kills ADAs and injures Sarah, hitting Nick’s lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 92 / 80% target

80%

Nick sends Kell and Emma away, isolated in despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 98 / 85% target

83%

Nick meets Clyde outside prison, ready for the final confrontation.

Interesting location you've chosen.
14

Finale

Scenes 115-116 / 95% target

87%

Nick unravels Clyde’s courtroom bomb trap and ends the siege as it detonates.

15

Final Image

Scene 118 / 99% target

80%

Nick reunites with his family, closing the arc from tragedy to resolution.