Save the Cat Plot Structure Lecture

Introduction

• Presenter: Shaylyn from Reedsy
• Topic: Save the Cat Plot Structure, also known as the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet or 15 Beat Plot Structure
• Background: Originally designed for films by Blake Snyder, now popular in novel writing due to its flexibility and detail.

Overview of Save the Cat

• Purpose: Balances detailed guidance with flexibility for story creation.
• Application: Can be used to plot novels by understanding specific plot beats.
• Structure: 15 specific plot beats make it easy to create plots spontaneously.

Plot Development Exercise

• Concept: Using a random plot generator to develop a story using Save the Cat.
• Example Plot:
  • Protagonist: Olivia, a janitor and compulsive liar
  • Secondary Character: Kelly, a secretary who has burnt every bridge
  • Setting: Starts on a train in East Harlem
  • Plot Theme: Satire about the American Dream
  • Background Element: Someone has a criminal past

Detailed Plot Beats

Act 1

• Opening Image: Olivia boards a train, fleeing from a crime scene.
• Setup:
  • Olivia plans a heist to steal a Fabergé egg from a museum.
  • Kelly and Olivia meet on a train and plan a heist together.
• Theme Stated: Agreement on being loners forming a good team.
• Debate: Olivia contemplates the risks and her financial struggles.
• Catalyst: Decision to steal the Fabergé egg.

Act 2

• Break into Two: Learning about an event that aids the heist.
• B Story: Olivia lies to her brother Greg about her life.
• Fun and Games: Detailed planning and initial execution of the heist.
• Midpoint: Achieve false hope by successfully stealing the egg.
• Bad Guys Close In: Greg confronts Olivia about the egg.
• All is Lost: Greg takes the egg, Olivia loses her only friend and brother.
• Dark Night of the Soul: Olivia reflects on her priorities.

Act 3

• Break into Three: Olivia decides to reconcile with Kelly and plan to retrieve the egg.
• Finale: Execute a secondary heist to retrieve the egg from Greg.
• Final Image: Olivia and Kelly on a beach, celebrating their success and friendship.

Additional Insights

• Application in Novels: While Save the Cat is a staple in screenplay writing, its application in novels can vary.
• Further Resources: More plot structure resources available for deeper exploration.
• Conclusion: Encouragement to explore different plot structures to find the best fit for individual storytelling needs.

Closing

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