Snyder–Harmon Hybrid (Save the Cat × Story Circle)

Percentages show roughly where each beat lands in the finished story — the midpoint of a 110-page screenplay is page 55. Write your version under each; it saves in your browser as you go.

1. 1.First Image

   ~1%

   A visual that establishes the tone, mood, and stakes. A 'before' snapshot of the protagonist's world.

2. 2.Set-Up

   ~6%

   Act 1. Introduce the protagonist and their world. Six things that need fixing. The theme is usually stated here.

3. 3.Catalyst

   ~11%

   The inciting event. A call to action that disrupts the hero's status quo.

4. 4.Debate

   ~17%

   The hero resists the call. 'Should I do this?' Doubt, fear, preparation.

5. 5.New World (Break Into Two)

   ~23%

   Act 2 begins. The hero commits and crosses the threshold from old world to new.

6. 6.Fun and Games (Part 1)

   ~25%

   First half of the 'promise of the premise.' The hero explores the new world. What the trailer sells.

7. 7.B Story

   ~28%

   A parallel story - often a love interest or mentor - that carries the theme.

8. 8.Fun and Games (Part 2)

   ~39%

   Second half. The hero adapts to the new world, learns its rules, recruits help, encounters obstacles.

9. 9.Midpoint

   ~50%

   A false victory or false defeat. The stakes are raised. The clock starts ticking.

10. 10.Bad Guys Close In

    ~59%

    Pressure mounts internally (doubt, team friction) and externally (antagonist presses advantage).

11. 11.All Is Lost

    ~68%

    The worst moment. A 'whiff of death' - literal or symbolic. The hero's plan fails.

12. 12.Regroup (Dark Night of the Soul)

    ~73%

    The hero sits in defeat. Reflection. The lesson of the theme finally lands. Synthesizing A story and B story.

13. 13.Plan (Break Into Three)

    ~78%

    Act 3 begins. Inspiration strikes. The hero finds the answer and forms a new plan.

14. 14.Finale

    ~89%

    The hero executes the new plan. Confronts the antagonist. Resolves external and internal conflict.

15. 15.Final Image

    ~100%

    Mirror of the First Image. Shows how much the world and the hero have changed.

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