Plotting Your Novel: Save the Cat vs. Three-Act Structure (2025 Edition)
You're not alone if you’ve ever started a novel only to get lost in the middle. A clear plot structure is the secret weapon of many bestselling authors, helping them craft stories that hook readers from page one to “The End.”
But which structure is best for you? In this post, I’ll break down two of the most popular plotting methods: Save the Cat (made famous by Blake Snyder) and the classic Three-Act Structure. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of both and a roadmap for confidently planning your next novel.
I’m Brandon Rohrbaugh, author and content writer. Let’s demystify plotting, so you can focus on writing the story only you can tell.
What Is the Three-Act Structure?
The Three-Act Structure is the backbone of storytelling, used in everything from Greek drama to Hollywood blockbusters.
Act 1: Setup
Introduce your protagonist, their world, and the inciting incident that kicks off the story.
Ends with a turning point: your character makes a choice or crosses a threshold.
Act 2: Confrontation
The bulk of the story—rising tension, obstacles, allies, and growth.
Includes a midpoint twist or revelation.
Ends with a “dark night of the soul”—the character’s lowest point.
Act 3: Resolution
The climax: final confrontation or decision.
Loose ends are tied up; we see how the character has changed.
Example:
In The Hunger Games:
Act 1: Katniss volunteers, enters the Games.
Act 2: She faces challenges, alliances, betrayals, and grows as a competitor.
Act 3: Climactic showdown, game ends, and Katniss returns home changed.
Want more? Read this in-depth article on Three-Act Structure from MasterClass.
What Is Save the Cat?
Photo by Dominik Gryzbon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adorable-kitten-standing-on-veterinary-table-30577785/
Originally developed for screenwriting by Blake Snyder, Save the Cat is a detailed beat sheet with 15 key moments (“beats”) designed to make stories more engaging and emotionally satisfying. Writers of novels and screenplays use it to add pace and punch to their plots.
Key Save the Cat Beats:
Opening Image – A snapshot of the hero’s world
Theme Stated – The story’s central question or message
Set-Up – Introduce characters, stakes, and story world
Catalyst – The inciting incident
Debate – The hero’s reluctance or resistance to the challenge
Break into Two – The hero commits to the journey
B Story – Introduction of a subplot (often romantic or friendship)
Fun and Games – The heart of the premise; what readers “came for”
Midpoint – A major twist, revelation, or victory/defeat
Bad Guys Close In – Obstacles escalate
All Is Lost – Lowest point; everything seems ruined
Dark Night of the Soul – Moment of introspection or despair
Break into Three – The hero finds a solution or renewed strength
Finale – The climax; the problem is resolved
Final Image – A mirror or contrast to the opening, showing change
Example:
In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, each beat appears clearly, giving the story both structure and surprise.
Save the Cat vs. Three-Act Structure: What’s the Difference?
Similarities:
Both are flexible frameworks—customize for your genre, audience, and style.
Both help you keep the “big picture” while writing.
Both ensure you hit the emotional highs and lows that keep readers invested.
How to Choose the Right Plotting Method
Are you a big-picture thinker?
Try the Three-Act Structure for a straightforward roadmap.Do you love detail and pacing?
Use Save the Cat to plot each chapter or scene.Still not sure?
Start with Three Acts, then overlay Save the Cat beats for extra guidance.
Pro Tip: Try mapping your favorite books or movies onto both frameworks—you’ll see the hidden patterns that make stories work.
Downloadable Plotting Template
Want to try both methods? [Download my free Plotting Template here]—it includes a side-by-side guide to both frameworks, plus blank space for your own story beats.
Related Resources
[How to Write a Novel for Beginners: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide]
For more on Save the Cat, check out the official Save the Cat! website.
Conclusion
There’s no single “right” way to plot your novel—what matters is having a structure that works for you. Whether you prefer the simple arc of Three Acts or the detailed beats of Save the Cat, you’ll be one step closer to finishing a story readers can’t put down.
What plotting method do you use? Drop a comment below or connect with me [here]. And don’t forget to download your free plotting template!
Happy writing!
Brandon Rohrbaugh | Author, Content Writer, Plot Structure Fan
