Save the Cat rankings

Pinocchio script analysis

Pinocchio script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Grieving widower Geppetto carves a son from wood after losing Carlo. The puppet Pinocchio springs to life, disrupting church and drawing the attention of the cunning Count Volpe. He joins the carnival, faces exploitation and betrayal, prompting Geppetto’s desperate voyage. Ultimately, love and magic reunite father and son, leading to Pinocchio’s journey into the wider world.

80 Save the Cat fit score 8% analysis confidence / 21 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Geppetto mourns at his son’s grave, establishing loss and tone.

By the time master Geppetto made Pinocchio, he had already lost a son...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

The bedtime story warns lies are visible like long noses, stating honesty as theme.

Lies, my dear boy, are found out immediately, because they are like long noses- visible to all but...
3

Set-Up

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

10%

We meet Geppetto’s grief and his loving rapport with Carlo in the workshop.

What is it you’re making this time, Papa?
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 12% target

10%

The church is bombed, killing Carlo and shattering Geppetto’s world.

5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 20% target

10%

Geppetto wrestles with grief and carves Pinocchio in a drunken rage.

6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 3 / 25% target

10%

Pinocchio’s miraculous animation pulls Geppetto into an unfamiliar new reality.

My name is Pinocchio! I’m your son!
7

B Story

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

10%

Pinocchio’s disruption of church and Podestà’s concern introduce moral and paternal subplot.

No, I’m not! I’m made of flesh and bone and meaty bits!! I’m a real boy!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 9-12 / Pages 4-5 / 40% target

10%

Carnival promoters and Volpe plot to exploit Pinocchio as a living puppet.

A “living puppet”? Are you absolutely sure?
9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / Page 5 / 50% target

10%

Volpe convinces Pinocchio to abandon school for carnival life – stakes are raised.

Come partake in the fun, fanciful, carefree carnival life as the star of my puppet show!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / Page 6 / 65% target

10%

Spazzatura warns Pinocchio that Volpe is exploiting him and not sending money to Geppetto.

The truth is... Count Volpe is using you. He hasn’t sent a penny to your father.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 16 / Page 6 / 75% target

10%

Geppetto and Cricket are swallowed by the Dogfish, seeming lost forever.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 18 / Page 7 / 80% target

10%

Geppetto mourns Pinocchio’s presumed death, despairing alone.

You are here, my dear son, can’t you see me? You’re-- you’re alive, you’re so free, I need...
13

Break into Three

Scene 18 / Page 7 / 85% target

10%

The Wood Sprite grants the Cricket’s wish, reviving Pinocchio and shifting to resolution.

Master Geppetto...I only wished to bring you joy.
14

Finale

Scenes 19-20 / Pages 7-8 / 95% target

10%

A montage shows Pinocchio and Geppetto’s life until their deaths, then Pinocchio’s farewell journey.

And so it was... That we lived our lives. We never saw the Wood Sprite again. Geppetto aged-...
15

Final Image

Scene 21 / Page 8 / 99% target

10%

The Cricket in limbo reflects on life’s journey as credits roll, mirroring the opening’s reflective tone.

Do you mind? I was recounting my life...