Save the Cat rankings

WILLOW script analysis

WILLOW script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Willow Ufgood, a humble farmer, discovers the prophesied baby Elora Danan and must carry her to safety beyond his village. Along the way he frees the rogue swordsman Madmartigan and they embark on a series of adventures, learning magic and forging friendships. They face capture, loss of hope, and ultimately sneak into the enemy’s stronghold. In the finale, Willow defeats the dark queen with wit and courage and returns home a hero.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

A stormy castle birth sets the dark, epic tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 5% target

70%

Willow and Kiaya discuss the danger and destiny the baby brings, hinting at courage and fate.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

70%

We see the prophecy, the birth, and the threat, establishing Willow’s ordinary world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 12% target

70%

Willow finds the baby in a raft and is drawn into the quest.

5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

70%

Confronted over debts and danger, Willow hesitates to accept responsibility for the child.

You haven't paid your debts. Where did you get these seeds?
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 25% target

70%

The Council mandates he deliver the child to the crossroads, launching the adventure.

This child must be taken beyond the boundaries of our village. All the way to the daikini crossroads.
7

B Story

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 30% target

70%

Willow meets Madmartigan and their dynamic sets up the friend/mentor relationship.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 40% target

70%

A thrilling wagon chase and battles showcase the adventurous tone.

That girl is a vision.
9

Midpoint

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 50% target

70%

The group fights the lake monster, a clear win-or-lose stakes peak.

Help, Madmartigan! The oar!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 19 / Page 19 / 65% target

70%

Sorsha’s forces capture the heroes, raising the threat level.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 75% target

70%

King Kael arrives and seizes the baby, shattering their hope.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 26 / Page 26 / 80% target

70%

Willow struggles to complete the philosopher’s stone amid despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 31 / 85% target

70%

Willow transforms Raziel back and rallies the rebels, resolving to act.

14

Finale

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 95% target

70%

Willow tricks Bavmorda, defeats her with magic, and saves Elora.

I'm Willow Ufgood. I'm a magician. I'm a great magician.
15

Final Image

Scene 38 / Page 38 / 99% target

70%

Willow returns to his village as a hero, closing the arc.