Save the Cat rankings

THE MAZE RUNNER script analysis

THE MAZE RUNNER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Thomas arrives in the Glade with no memory and must decide whether to embrace his role as a Maze Runner. He forms bonds, especially with Theresa, and undertakes dangerous runs. A midstory success emboldens him, but revelations about his past and the Maze lead to a crisis. Ultimately, he breaks into the Hive and confronts the Consortium.

65 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 23 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Thomas wakes up inside the Box, isolated and confused, establishing his disoriented entry into this world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 9 / 5% target

60%

Alby labels Thomas a “Maze Runner,” hinting at identity and purpose as the story’s theme.

You’re a Maze Runner, Thomas. Don’t make me regret this.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / 10% target

55%

Thomas is pulled into the Glade, interrogated, and forced to learn the rules and hierarchy of this community.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / 12% target

50%

Thomas arrives through the Box into the Glade and first glimpses the massive Maze walls.

Where the hell am I?
5

Debate

Scene 6 / 20% target

55%

Thomas clashes with Zack and faces doubt about fitting in and surviving the Glade’s social order.

I’m the boss man. Whatever Chuck here does, do the opposite.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 10-11 / 25% target

60%

Minho equips Thomas and leads him on his first run into the Maze, shifting from preparation to active engagement.

7

B Story

Scene 12 / 30% target

60%

Theresa wakes and connects with Thomas, beginning an emotional subplot about memory and trust.

I don’t know why, but... How do I know you?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / 40% target

50%

Thomas and Minho run through various Maze sections, showcasing the core promise of thrills and strategy.

9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / 50% target

55%

Thomas leads the Runners to the Griever Hole, marking a triumphant advance and raising stakes.

See you back in the Glade, gentlemen.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 17 / 65% target

50%

As the Gladers prepare serum-tipped arrows and tensions mount, external threats and internal doubts intensify.

Thomas? You think we might really be going home?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 18 / 75% target

60%

Thomas learns he helped create the Maze and indirectly caused deaths, hitting rock bottom emotionally.

You and I...We were here before. With another group of kids. And because of us, those kids are...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 19 / 80% target

50%

Preparing for the final assault, Thomas wrestles with guilt and wonders if escape is possible.

13

Break into Three

Scene 22 / 85% target

55%

Thomas decides to infiltrate the Hive, committing fully to a potentially suicidal plan.

14

Finale

Scene 23 / 95% target

60%

The Gladers confront the Consortium in the Control Room, executing their bold escape and exposing the Maze’s creators.

You’re from San Francisco, Min. You had a mother and father. A baby sister named Kim.
15

Final Image

Scene 23 / 99% target

50%

In the Control Room aftermath, the truth about the Gladers’ origins and the outside world is revealed, contrasting the opening isolation.