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THE GREAT GATSBY script analysis

THE GREAT GATSBY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Nick Carraway recounts his summer in West Egg, introducing the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the glittering world of 1920s Long Island. He navigates high‐society parties, rekindles Gatsby’s past romance with Daisy Buchanan, and witnesses the moral decay beneath the glamour. Conflict intensifies as Tom Buchanan challenges Gatsby’s claim to Daisy. Tragedy strikes with Myrtle’s death and ultimately Gatsby’s murder, leaving Nick disillusioned.

62 Save the Cat fit score 37% analysis confidence / 105 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

29%

Nick’s reflective voiceover in the sanitarium sets the melancholic tone for his story.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 5% target

42%

Daisy’s line “And I hope she'll be a fool...” hints at the façade and carelessness swirling around these characters.

And I hope she'll be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this...
3

Set-Up

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

35%

Nick moves to West Egg, meets Tom and Daisy, and glimpses Gatsby from his porch, establishing relationships and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / Page 12 / 12% target

31%

Nick sees Gatsby for the first time standing on his dock, sparking curiosity about his neighbor.

5

Debate

Scenes 13-14 / Pages 13-14 / 20% target

33%

Nick struggles to open up in the sanitarium before deciding to write down his memories.

Then write about it.
6

Break into Two

Scene 23 / Page 23 / 25% target

30%

Nick attends Gatsby’s lavish party, fully entering Gatsby’s world.

7

B Story

Scene 24 / Page 24 / 30% target

36%

Nick meets Jordan Baker, whose friendship becomes his emotional anchor.

Do you know where I might find the host, Mr. Gatsby?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-29 / Pages 25-29 / 40% target

32%

A series of party scenes showcases Gatsby’s mystery, excess, and Nick’s immersion into the glitz.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 30-31 / 50% target

40%

Gatsby reveals his backstory and ambitions to Nick during their countryside lunch, raising stakes about his quest for Daisy.

I am the son of some very wealthy people from the Middle-West; sadly, all dead now.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 56 / Page 56 / 65% target

38%

Tom attends Gatsby’s party then undermines him, calling him a bootlegger and heightening social conflict.

A lot of these newly rich people are just filthy bootleggers.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 86 / Page 86 / 75% target

34%

Myrtle is struck and killed by Gatsby’s car, leading to irrevocable consequences.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 90 / Page 90 / 80% target

37%

Gatsby, hiding near the Buchanan mansion, laments his role in Myrtle’s death and his failing dream.

It was my fault. I should have taken the wheel... No one must know. Promise me. No one....
13

Break into Three

Scene 96 / Page 96 / 85% target

35%

Nick tearfully bids Gatsby farewell, realizing the impossibility of his dream.

They're a rotten crowd! You're worth the whole damn bunch put together!
14

Finale

Scenes 98-100 / Pages 98-100 / 95% target

39%

Gatsby is murdered; Nick arranges the sparse funeral and confronts the moral emptiness of East Egg society.

15

Final Image

Scene 105 / Page 105 / 99% target

33%

Nick finishes writing his manuscript in the sanitarium, reflecting on Gatsby’s dream and his own disillusionment.