Save the Cat rankings

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS script analysis

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Hazel, a terminally ill teenager, reluctantly engages with life through a support group where she meets Augustus, sparking their unconventional romance. Their bond deepens through shared stories and an adventurous trip to Amsterdam, only to be tested by Augustus’s cancer recurrence. After his death, Hazel finds solace in his final words, embracing the love they shared.

80 Save the Cat fit score 23% analysis confidence / 76 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

12%

Introduces Hazel’s depression and illness in the doctor’s office as the story’s emotional baseline.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Augustus’s line about oblivion hints at confronting mortality and finding meaning.

Oblivion's inevitable. And if that scares you, well, I suggest you ignore it.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-7 / Page 1 / 10% target

14%

Hazel’s home life, her support group, and first conversations with Augustus establish characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / 12% target

10%

Hazel meets Augustus at the support group, igniting the central relationship.

5

Debate

Scene 3 / 20% target

11%

Hazel hesitates to open up emotionally, arguing the risks of attachment.

Because you're beautiful.
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / 25% target

16%

Hazel convinces her mother and doctor to allow the trip, stepping into Act Two’s adventure.

Can we at least ask Dr. Maria?
7

B Story

Scene 4 / 30% target

10%

Their car conversation deepens the romantic subplot and emotional support arc.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 5 / 40% target

10%

Hazel and Augustus bond over literature in his basement, enjoying lighter romantic moments.

It's a novel. My favorite novel.
9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / 50% target

12%

Arrival in Amsterdam marks the story’s high point and the promise of real fulfillment.

Something like that.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / 65% target

13%

Van Houten’s cruelty shatters Hazel and Gus’s hopes, intensifying external conflict.

I'll write you a sequel. Better than any shit that drunk could write. With blood and guts and...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / 75% target

12%

Gus reveals his cancer recurrence, representing the ultimate setback.

It lit up like a Christmas tree, Hazel...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 65 / 80% target

14%

Hazel confronts her mortality and despair in an argument with her parents.

I can't stay healthy because I'm not healthy, Mom. I am dying.
13

Break into Three

Scene 66 / 85% target

11%

Gus’s self-hosted pre-funeral galvanizes Hazel to cherish his legacy.

Augustus Waters was a self-aggrandizing bastard. But we forgive him.
14

Finale

Scene 70 / 95% target

12%

Hazel delivers the eulogy, reflecting acceptance and paying tribute to Gus.

And now we'll hear from Gus's... special friend Hazel Lancaster.
15

Final Image

Scene 76 / 99% target

13%

Hazel alone in the backyard, holding Gus’s letter, symbolizing her emotional transformation.