Save the Cat rankings

THE PROPOSAL script analysis

THE PROPOSAL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Margaret, a high-powered book editor, and her assistant Richard fake a romance to appease her Alaskan grandmother. Their charade leads to unexpected family pressures, personal revelations, and genuine feelings. A near-tragedy forces them to confront their true priorities and declare their love.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 89 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Margaret’s solitary treadmill routine establishes her driven, work-obsessed life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 17 / 5% target

30%

Margaret prioritizes work over relationships, hinting the central theme of balancing career and love.

Cancel the call, move the meeting to eight, I got Frank to do publicity.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / 10% target

30%

Richard leaves Simone and rushes to prepare Margaret’s office, establishing both protagonists’ worlds.

4

Catalyst

Scene 23 / 12% target

30%

Richard quits his job, triggering the need for a new arrangement with Margaret.

5

Debate

Scene 24 / 20% target

30%

They negotiate terms in Central Park, uncertain about partnering professionally and personally.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 25-29 / 25% target

30%

They board the planes to Seattle and Alaska, committing to the fake-engagement plan.

7

B Story

Scenes 28-29 / 30% target

30%

Margaret’s interaction with the handsome passenger introduces the true romantic arc between her and Richard.

I'm sorry, I hate it when people stare at what I'm reading. It's just... I worked on that...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 32-41 / 40% target

30%

Arriving in Sitka, they navigate family quirks, engagement parties, and local adventures.

9

Midpoint

Scene 46 / 50% target

30%

Geoffrey openly disrespects Richard’s career, raising personal stakes and tension.

You're only a secretary.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 50-54 / 65% target

30%

Quarrels escalate in Margaret’s room and at the family business, testing their partnership.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 70 / 75% target

30%

Margaret falls into an ice crevasse, seeming like the worst outcome.

You can do this. Couple more hours, and then you'll never see these people again. Eventually you'll write...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 71 / 80% target

30%

On the boat, they call off the wedding, confronting their emotional low point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 81 / 85% target

30%

Richard decides to pursue Margaret at the airport, committing to fight for their relationship.

What? Oh. Well, I'm, uh, going to see Margaret.
14

Finale

Scenes 85-87 / 95% target

30%

Richard halts the flight, reunites with Margaret via loudspeaker and on the runway, resolving the romance.

15

Final Image

Scene 89 / 99% target

30%

The wedding party’s celebratory dancefloor mirrors the opening image’s romance—now fulfilled.