Save the Cat rankings

Shrek script analysis

Shrek script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Shrek’s solitary life is disrupted when fairy-tale creatures invade his swamp, prompting him to embark on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad. Along the way, Shrek and Donkey form an unlikely friendship, face personal doubts, and discover Fiona’s secret. Ultimately, Shrek embraces love and community, returning to the swamp a changed ogre.

80 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 25 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Shrek’s peaceful swamp is threatened as villagers invade, establishing his isolated world.

This is the part where you run away.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

10%

Donkey challenges Shrek’s solitary outlook, hinting that friendship can change one’s mind.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-5 / Pages 2-4 / 10% target

15%

We meet Donkey and learn that fairy-tale creatures have been evicted to Shrek’s swamp by Lord Farquaad.

We were forced to come here.
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Pages 4-5 / 12% target

10%

Farquaad decides to send an ogre to rescue Fiona, setting Shrek’s quest in motion.

I will make this Princess Fiona my queen, and DuLoc will finally have the perfect king!
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 5-8 / 20% target

12%

Shrek and Donkey argue over the terms of the quest and Shrek’s motivation to help Farquaad.

Let me get this straight. You're gonna go fight a dragon and rescue a princess just so Farquaad...
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Pages 8-9 / 25% target

10%

Shrek and Donkey cross the bridge into Dragon’s Keep, entering Act II’s new world.

Believe me, Donkey, if it was me, you'd be dead. It's brimstone. We must be getting close.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 30% target

10%

Fiona and Shrek’s chemistry begins to develop when she expresses gratitude.

You did it! You rescued me! You're amazing. You're - - You're wonderful. You're... a little unorthodox I'll...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 13-16 / Pages 10-13 / 40% target

12%

On the journey back, Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona bond, showcasing the promise of “ogre adventure.”

9

Midpoint

Scene 19 / Page 14 / 50% target

10%

Robin Hood’s attack raises the stakes and reveals Fiona can fight, shifting from fun to real danger.

Be still, mon cherie, for I am you savior! And I am rescuing you from this green... beast.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / Page 15 / 65% target

11%

Donkey discovers Fiona’s curse, creating tension and mistrust.

It only happens when sun goes down. "By night one way, by day another. This shall be the...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 23 / Page 16 / 75% target

11%

Shrek learns Fiona plans to marry Farquaad, feeling betrayed and defeated.

Perfect! Never been better.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 24 / Page 17 / 80% target

10%

Shrek and Donkey argue, and Shrek contemplates isolation, believing he’ll always be alone.

Because that's what friends do! They forgive each other!
13

Break into Three

Scene 25 / Page 18 / 85% target

10%

Realizing he loves Fiona, Shrek storms the church to stop the wedding.

14

Finale

Scene 25 / Pages 18-20 / 95% target

12%

Shrek interrupts the ceremony, Fiona reveals her true form, and they unite against Farquaad.

15

Final Image

Scene 25 / Page 20 / 99% target

10%

The newlyweds return to the swamp, showing Shrek’s transformed life.