Save the Cat rankings

THE MIRACLE WORKER script analysis

THE MIRACLE WORKER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The script opens on the Keller family anxiously awaiting their newborn Helen’s fate, only to discover she is blind and deaf. Kate struggles with Helen’s willful behavior and the family debates sending her away. Annie Sullivan’s arrival at the Perkins School sets up the story’s B-story and promise of transformation.

30 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Introduces the anxious Keller household and Kate’s uncertainty about her newborn daughter’s health.

Doctor. Will my girl be all right?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

The doctor’s line about being “battle-scarred” hints at the struggle ahead.

I've brought up two of them, but this is my wife's first, she isn't battle-scarred yet.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

12%

We see Helen’s wild behavior and Kate’s realization that Helen is blind and deaf, establishing character and stakes.

She can't see. Look at her eyes.
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

14%

Kate discovers Helen’s disabilities, which upends her expectations of motherhood.

She can't see. Look at her eyes.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-8 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

10%

Kate vacillates between caring for Helen and feeling overwhelmed by her violent outbursts.

6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Pages 20-25 / 25% target

11%

The decision to send Helen to Perkins marks the shift to Act Two and Annie’s entrance.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Pages 25-30 / 30% target

10%

Annie’s relationship with Anagnos aboard the train sets up her personal stakes and growth.

It will no doubt be difficult for you there, Annie, but it has been difficult for you at...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 6-9 / Pages 12-30 / 40% target

11%

Helen’s antics—struggling among sheets, destroying decorations, and cutting Martha’s hair—provide the ‘fun’ of her untamed energy.

9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Pages 30-35 / 50% target

12%

The family’s debate about Perkins School crystallizes the stakes: either discipline Helen or lose her to an institution.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 12 / Pages 35-40 / 65% target

12%

Family arguments intensify, portraying Helen as an insurmountable problem.

Why, this ver-T famous Perkins School in Poston; they're just supposed to do wonders.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 14 / Pages 40-45 / 75% target

10%

Helen overturns the cradle, symbolizing the collapse of Kate’s hopes for normalcy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 15 / Pages 45-50 / 80% target

11%

Kate and the family confront the pain of sending Helen away as Annie departs.

How can you discipline an afflicted child? Is it her fault?
13

Break into Three

Scene 16 / Pages 50-55 / 85% target

11%

Annie receives final advice from Anagnos, spurring her resolve to face the challenge.

It will no doubt be difficult for you there, Annie, but it has been difficult for you at...
14

Finale

Scenes 17-18 / Pages 55-60 / 95% target

10%

Annie’s departure on the train with Helen’s future in her hands begins the climax of her teaching efforts.

15

Final Image

Scene 19 / Pages 60-65 / 99% target

10%

A flashback to Annie’s own childhood trauma mirrors her impending triumph over Helen’s barriers.

I won't give them any trouble. I'll be so ladylike they won't notice I've come.