Save the Cat rankings

Stardust script analysis

Stardust script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Tristan promises to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved Victoria and embarks on a perilous journey. He discovers the star in human form, Yvaine, and they face witches, princes, and magical dangers. Along the way Tristan matures from a lovestruck boy to a true hero, finding his own heart’s desire. They ultimately triumph over darkness and he is crowned King of Stormhold before returning home and finally fulfilling his promise.

75 Save the Cat fit score 62% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

Introduces Tristan’s humble world in Wall Village and his promise to fetch a star for Victoria.

All the...? Ipswich?! Victoria, For your hand in marriage, I’d cross oceans. Continents.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Hint that love requires great sacrifice and adventure—Tristan will cross oceans for Victoria.

All the...? Ipswich?! Victoria, For your hand in marriage, I’d cross oceans. Continents.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / Pages 1-7 / 10% target

68%

We meet the witches, the dying king, and see the star fall, establishing goals and stakes.

Only he of royal blood can restore the sapphire. And the one of you who does so shall...
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 7 / 12% target

60%

The star lands in human form, compelling Tristan to pursue her.

5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 8-15 / 20% target

62%

Tristan worries about finding Yvaine, dreams of danger, and hesitates at the talking tree warning.

Oh please, not a talking tree.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 15-23 / 25% target

65%

Tristan boards the sky vessel, leaving his familiar world behind to chase the star.

Much better! Almost had me there.
7

B Story

Scenes 12-15 / Pages 23-30 / 30% target

64%

Romance subplot begins as Tristan and Yvaine interact on the ship, exploring love and trust.

How can we ever thank you enough for your kindness?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-24 / Pages 30-50 / 40% target

60%

Adventurous sequences: witches pursue, cannon battles, hiding in ditches, comedic mouse subplot.

I'm sorry. I just... We can't risk people seeing you. I don't trust anyone.
9

Midpoint

Scenes 24-30 / Pages 50-70 / 50% target

67%

High-stakes reversal when Yvaine is captured by Sal and separated from Tristan (false defeat).

Ferdy the Fence? Ferdy the Fence?!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-38 / Pages 70-90 / 65% target

65%

Witches track them, Sal turns Yvaine human, Tristan returns home, enemies tighten their net.

I see. We need a room for the night. And a bath.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 39-42 / Pages 90-100 / 75% target

66%

Tristan abandons Yvaine to visit Victoria; she wakes alone and thinks him a betrayer.

You know, that was the first time I’ve ever slept at night. I can’t believe it.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 42-46 / Pages 100-110 / 80% target

64%

Yvaine races to the Wall, tortured by Tristan’s apparent betrayal; he realizes his love too late.

Hey... Hey! You! Stop! Wait!
13

Break into Three

Scenes 50-55 / Pages 110-130 / 85% target

68%

Tristan rallies allies (Septimus) and decides to storm the witches’ lair to save Yvaine.

How do I know you can be trusted?
14

Finale

Scenes 56-63 / Pages 130-160 / 95% target

70%

Epic confrontation: freedom of Yvaine, defeat of Lamia, Tristan proves himself the man he can be.

Be the man that I know you are.
15

Final Image

Scenes 64-65 / Pages 160-165 / 99% target

72%

Tristan crowns King, lives a long life with Yvaine, fulfilling his promise and theme of true love.

That'll give the astronomers something to worry about.