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WICKED script analysis

WICKED script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Wicked follows Elphaba’s journey from birth as the green-skinned outcast to her transformation into the Wicked Witch. The story sets up her friendship with Glinda, her moral awakening, and the conflicts with authority that lead to her exile. It culminates in her leveraging newfound power and fleeing the Emerald City, embracing her destiny.

40 Save the Cat fit score 10% analysis confidence / 51 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

A foreboding pre-dawn shot of water and winged monkeys sets a mysterious tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Pages 1-3 / 5% target

15%

Glinda questions whether people are born wicked or become wicked, stating the story’s moral question.

That's a good question. One that many people find confusifying: Are people born Wicked? Or do they have...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

12%

We see Oz celebrating the Witch’s death, introducing Glinda, and hinting at Elphaba’s backstory.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 5-7 / 12% target

10%

Young Elphaba’s green birth reveals her difference, triggering the central conflict.

5

Debate

Scenes 14-15 / Pages 8-9 / 20% target

12%

Roommates Elphaba and Galinda argue over fairness and belonging at Shiz.

Do you really think this is fair?
6

Break into Two

Scene 26 / Page 12 / 25% target

10%

At the Ozdust Ball, Elphaba’s isolation pushes her to bond with Galinda, shifting into Act Two.

It's because I'm in this chair and you felt sorry for me-- well? Isn't that right?
7

B Story

Scene 20 / Page 10 / 30% target

10%

Elphaba’s first tense encounter with Fiyero lays the groundwork for the romance subplot.

I'm sorry, Miss, we didn't-- see you.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-25 / Pages 11-13 / 40% target

10%

Campus life montage: library song, hat prank, dorm bonding showcase the lighter side.

See that tragic'ly beautiful girl, the one in the chair. It seems so unfair. We should go on...
9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / Page 14 / 50% target

10%

Doctor Dillamond’s firing and the caged lion illustrate the true stakes and raise the tension.

Not now, Miss Elphaba-- Please, everyone, take your seats, I've something to say, and very little time.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 45-47 / Pages 18-19 / 65% target

10%

The Wizard and Morrible’s manipulation intensifies as Elphaba is declared a fugitive.

Exactly. That's why I need you.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 48-49 / Pages 19-20 / 75% target

10%

Elphaba and Glinda discover the Wizard’s deceit, straining their friendship.

I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY. I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY TOO. I HOPE YOU'RE PROUD HOW YOU. WOULD GROVEL IN...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 49-50 / Pages 20-21 / 80% target

10%

Elphaba and Glinda argue over ideals, and Ozans label Elphaba ‘Wicked’, her lowest point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 21 / 85% target

10%

Elphaba embraces her power and decides on a new path, reuniting with Glinda.

I'M THROUGH ACCEPTING LIMITS. 'CAUSE SOMEONE SAYS THEY'RE SO. SOME THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE BUT TILL I TRY,...
14

Finale

Scenes 72-79 / Pages 22-25 / 95% target

10%

Elphaba and Glinda journey to Emerald City, face the Wizard, and confront the animal crisis together.

15

Final Image

Scene 51 / Page 21 / 99% target

10%

Elphaba poised to fly symbolizes her full embrace of identity and power.