Save the Cat rankings

The Golden Compass script analysis

The Golden Compass script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Lyra Belacqua’s world is turned upside down when she witnesses an attempted poisoning and is entrusted with a secret device, the alethiometer. Propelled northward by mysterious adults, she uncovers child kidnappings, forges unlikely alliances, and faces moral and literal darkness. After the worst is lost, Lyra finds courage to break into a new world.

85 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 67 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 Lyra in her lecture hall setting, carefree and mischievous, establishing her normal world.

Quiet! You’ll get us in trouble again!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 5% target

75%

Lyra’s daemon Pan alerts her to the poisoning plot, hinting that appearances can be deadly and truth must be uncovered.

Pan! Did you see that? He’s going to poison Uncle Asriel!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

68%

We meet key players (Lyra, her dean, Asriel), see her bond with Pan, and learn about the alethiometer’s secret.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 12% target

80%

Lyra witnesses the attempted poisoning of Lord Asriel, forcing her from innocence into danger.

5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 20% target

65%

Lyra pleads with Asriel to take her north to stop the Gobblers, questioning her ability to help.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 4-5 / 25% target

70%

Lyra boards Mrs. Coulter’s zeppelin, leaving Jordan College and entering Act Two’s unfamiliar world.

Where’s Roger? I thought he’d come see me off.
7

B Story

Scene 21 / Page 10 / 30% target

74%

At the Gyptian parley, Lyra connects with John Faa and Farder Coram, establishing her emotional support plotline.

That’s a Greek word. I reckon it’s from aletheia, which means truth. It’s a truth measure. Have you...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 27 / Page 12 / 40% target

78%

Lyra learns to read the alethiometer with Farder Coram, showcasing her growing abilities and playful discovery.

What’s it feel like, Lyra? To ...think with the alethiometer?
9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / Page 14 / 50% target

70%

Lyra witnesses a witch burning—stakes and moral conflict escalate; it’s a false victory moment that deepens resolve.

She flew. And we can’t fly. She’s free like we ain’t. Plus, it’s Sunday.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 45 / Page 20 / 65% target

76%

In the Bolvangar canteen, Lyra reunites with Roger but learns they’re both prisoners—antagonists tighten their grip.

I promised, didn’t I?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 56 / Page 23 / 75% target

72%

Lyra is captured by Svalbard bear soldiers, representing her lowest physical point.

Come with us. You are a prisoner. Move now. Quickly.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 62 / Page 25 / 80% target

78%

Lyra discovers Asriel has taken Roger, crushing her hope and questioning her choices.

...and I brought him...Roger...
13

Break into Three

Scene 66 / Page 27 / 85% target

80%

Lyra rejects Mrs. Coulter’s plea and resolves to pursue truth, marking her decision to act.

There is no damnation. Come with me.
14

Finale

Scenes 65-66 / Pages 26-27 / 95% target

75%

Asriel sacrifices Roger to open the bridge, then Lyra seizes her moment to defy adult authority and enter the unknown.

15

Final Image

Scene 67 / Page 28 / 99% target

73%

Lyra and Pan arrive in the other world, armed with the alethiometer and resolve, transforming her journey’s end.

We’ll help each other. And we’ve got the alethiometer. We’ll search for Dust, and when we’ve found it...