Save the Cat rankings

THE SHIPPING NEWS script analysis

THE SHIPPING NEWS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Quoyle’s life unravels in New York, leading him to start anew in Newfoundland. As he settles into the small‐town newspaper and builds relationships, he faces family secrets and personal losses. Ultimately, he confronts his past, embraces community, and finds hope for the future.

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

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Quoyle’s meek struggle with the broken candy machine establishes his downtrodden life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 5% target

12%

Ed Punch’s comment hints at Quoyle’s hidden value and the theme of self‐worth.

Partridge says you're not as dumb as you look.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

11%

We meet Quoyle’s dead‐end life, his awkward home life, and early career struggles.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 12% target

10%

Quoyle’s chance meeting with Petal offers a glimpse of change.

5

Debate

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 20% target

11%

Petal’s demand for divorce forces Quoyle to question his future.

Only thing can work, here. Is divorce.
6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 25% target

13%

Agnis convinces Quoyle to move to Newfoundland, shifting him into Act Two.

You need to come, Nephew.
7

B Story

Scene 32 / Page 32 / 30% target

12%

Quoyle’s bond with Wavey and Bunny deepens in daycare, introducing emotional subplot.

Sure, there is. This is Herry, and he has Down's Syndrome. It means he learns things very slowly.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-31 / Pages 28-31 / 40% target

13%

Quoyle explores small-town life—reporting, new friendships, and community rituals.

9

Midpoint

Scene 43 / Page 43 / 50% target

14%

Quoyle saves Bunny from danger on the roof, signaling personal growth and stakes raised.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 53 / Page 53 / 65% target

12%

Discovery of a human head in a suitcase threatens Quoyle’s sense of security.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 66 / Page 66 / 75% target

13%

Uncle Nolan’s revelation about Agnis killing his brother shatters Quoyle’s trust.

Your Aunt Agnis Hamm, me son. That's cause she can't face me. I knows she killed 'im.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 71 / Page 71 / 80% target

11%

Over drinks, Quoyle reflects on love and loss, doubting his ability to move forward.

Love. Is about want. What you really want. And you can't change that. Even if it's poison.
13

Break into Three

Scene 84 / Page 84 / 85% target

12%

Finding Petal’s belongings at the destroyed Green House compels Quoyle to act.

14

Finale

Scene 89 / Page 89 / 95% target

13%

On the boat, Quoyle, Wavey, and Bunny reconcile past losses and commit to a hopeful future.

15

Final Image

Scene 89 / Page 89 / 99% target

13%

The family united at sea contrasts the opening’s loneliness, showing Quoyle’s transformation.