Save the Cat rankings

Love & Friendship script analysis

Love & Friendship script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Lady Susan departs Langford with her daughter Frederica, setting off familial tensions as various relatives navigate her meddlesome schemes. Sir James Martin’s naive courtship and Reginald DeCourcy’s protective interest in Frederica build the central romantic and comedic conflicts. A series of confrontations and revelations lead to unexpected marriages and a final celebratory union.

45 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 14 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

A carriage departure and domestic argument visually open the story, establishing Susan’s manipulative tendencies.

Lady Susan! Frederica! Wait! I beg you...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Catherine and Charles discuss Susan’s arrival, hinting at flirtation and manipulation as the story’s core theme.

Congratulations on being about to receive the most accomplished flirt in all England!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

50%

Introduces Lady Susan, Frederica, Catherine, Reginald, and Sir James, defining relationships and the social milieu.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

45%

Reginald confronts Susan about Sir James’s intentions, launching the primary conflict over Frederica’s future.

He’s utterly ridiculous.
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 2 / 20% target

35%

Susan and Alicia discuss plans for Reginald and Frederica, debating who's best suited to marry her.

6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 3 / 25% target

40%

Sir James’s attempts to charm Frederica mark Susan’s full commitment to her matchmaking scheme.

Oh really? Only have to obey ten? So, which two to take off then?
7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 3 / 30% target

30%

The developing familial dynamics and Reginald’s protective attitude toward Frederica deepen the romantic subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 9 / Page 4 / 40% target

35%

Susan’s boastful plotting with Alicia and the comedic overindulgence in matchmaking provide the story’s lighter moments.

Sir James will be Frederica's husband before the winter’s out!
9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 50% target

40%

The Vernons visit Susan in London, raising the stakes around Frederica’s guardianship and alliances.

Frederica, why don’t you go upstairs and play a piece?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 12 / Page 5 / 65% target

45%

Frederica learns of Susan’s surprise marriage, complicating Reginald’s hopes and family loyalties.

My mother and Sir James Martin have wed!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / Page 5 / 75% target

40%

The announcement of Susan’s marriage feels like the collapse of Frederica’s prospects and Reginald’s plans.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 13 / Page 6 / 80% target

35%

Sir James’s visit to Alicia highlights the consequences of Susan’s actions and the emotional fallout.

The most beautiful woman in England - present company excepted - will soon be the most beautiful mother....
13

Break into Three

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 85% target

45%

The impending wedding celebration signals a new resolution phase and Susan’s schemes coming to fruition.

14

Finale

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 95% target

50%

All plotlines converge at Frederica and Reginald’s wedding, resolving conflicts and restoring order.

15

Final Image

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 99% target

50%

The wedding celebration mirrors the opening carriage scene, completing the narrative arc with familial unity.