Save the Cat Breakdown Series - Part 15
Finale
Save the Cat Breakdown Series, Part 15: Finale
In the previous article, we explored the Save the Cat story beat of Break Into Act 3, where realises what they must do to succeed. In this article, we are exploring the penultimate story beat of Finale, which is actually quite complex and has our protagonist confronting their final challenge.
What is the Finale story beat?
The Finale story beat takes up most of the third act and is where your protagonist acts upon the realisations they had in the Break Into Act 3 story beat. It typically occurs at the 80% - 99% mark, or at around 64,000 - 79,200 in a typical 80,000 word novel.
Because this is such a significant story beat that will span multiple scenes, the Finale can actually be further broken down into the following sub-beats:
Gathering the team - The protagonist gathers what they need to complete their goal. This can, obviously, be specialists or a team, but it can also be information, tools, or supplies. Whatever they believe they will need to get to be successful.
Implement the plan - The protagonist performs the plan to the best of their ability, perhaps even sacrificing something or someone important to them along the way.
Bad guys push back - This can be a twist or a surprise, or it can simply be that the antagonist is more capable than originally thought. Remember, we don’t want our villains to just roll over and concede defeat just because our hero has realised the power of friendship, or whatever. They will fight back!
Dig deep - The protagonist responds to this twist or push back, maybe changing course again slightly, or just digging deep within themselves. They can do this, they must!
Execution of a new plan - The protagonist overcomes their fatal flaw or their misbelief and carries out the adjusted plan and succeeds (or if they fail, as some books with a sequel end on, their failure has to mean something, there needs to be a point to the failure).
To pick an example, I want to look at Finding Nemo this time. Part of this is because, while all the beats are there, they aren’t in the same order as Snyder suggests, but it still works. And if you find your own writing doesn’t quite align with this exact order, this is a good reminder that you can adjust it to fit your work.
In Finding Nemo, the five Finale points are:
Gathering the team - Marlin and Nemo prepare to rescue Dory, who has become trapped in a fishing net.
Dig deep - Nemo tries to convince Marlin that he’s not weak and in need of protection, that he can do this. Marlin has to draw on all he’s learned to put his trust in others, especially his disabled son, and trust that he can do what needs to be done.
Implement the plan - Nemo swims up to the net and, using his newfound courage and determination, convinces the fish to swim downwards to break the net and go free, though not without consequence.
Bad guys push back - While the fish escaping the net aren’t ‘bad guys’ per se, they do cause problems as, in their rush to escape, they hurt Nemo. Marlin believes that Nemo is dead.
Execution of a new plan - Instead of letting his son do everything, Marlin now springs into action to try to help Nemo. He learns that he’s fine, that Dory is safe as well, and all is well again.
The Finale is the time when things are coming to a head, plans are made and actioned. An ending is reached.
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