Save the Cat rankings

Ted script analysis

Ted script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A lonely John makes a Christmas wish that brings his teddy bear, Ted, to life and they become inseparable. Their friendship strains his relationship with Lori, leading to a breakup and Ted’s kidnapping. John must overcome his self-doubt to rescue Ted and win back Lori, culminating in a heartfelt reconciliation and a wedding. The story bookends with magical opening and closing images.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 77 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

70%

Introduces the magical narrator setting winter’s tone.

It has been said that magic vanished from our world a long time ago. And that humanity can...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

John wishes Ted could really talk so they could be best friends, stating the theme of friendship.

You know... I wish you could really talk to me. Because then we could be best friends forever...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

70%

John is lonely, bullied, and receives Ted, establishing his world and desires.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

John wakes to find Ted has come to life, disrupting his normal world.

5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Page 1 / 20% target

60%

John questions whether life with Ted as a talking companion is sustainable.

You know... I wish you could really talk to me. Because then we could be best friends forever...
6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 25% target

70%

John tells Ted he must move out, marking a shift into their new independent world.

Ted... you gotta move out.
7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 1 / 30% target

60%

The potential sale of Ted to Donny introduces the subplot about Ted’s place with John.

I wonder, is there any chance I could purchase the bear from you? For my son?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 40% target

70%

John and Ted’s carefree partying highlights the core promise of the premise.

All I'm sayin' is Boston women are are, on the whole, a paler, uglier sort than women from...
9

Midpoint

Scene 49 / Page 1 / 50% target

80%

Lori breaks up with John, raising the stakes emotionally in their relationship.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 59 / Page 1 / 65% target

80%

Donny kidnaps Ted, creating an external threat and pressuring John.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 50 / Page 1 / 75% target

70%

John sits alone in a hotel room, feeling utterly defeated.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 53 / Page 1 / 80% target

70%

John and Ted’s fight in the hotel reflects John’s internal crisis.

What? You're un-fucking-believable, you know that? How stupid do you think I am?
13

Break into Three

Scene 56 / Page 1 / 85% target

80%

John’s public confession on stage signals he’s found a new resolve.

Uh, hi. Um... This is for Lori Collins. Because I love her.
14

Finale

Scene 70 / Page 1 / 95% target

80%

John and Lori rescue Ted on the lighting tower, resolving external and internal conflicts.

Don't... don't ever lose her again. She's the most important... most important part of your life. Even more...
15

Final Image

Scene 77 / Page 1 / 99% target

70%

Ends with the wedding exit, mirroring the story’s magical beginning.

Y'know Sam, there's only one way to end a perfect day.