INI

Save the Cat! Story Genres - INI

Save the Cat! Story Genres is a classification system of 10 story types proposed by screenwriter Blake Snyder in his book 'Save the Cat!'. Unlike traditional movie genres (romantic comedy, sci-fi, horror, etc.), stories are categorized based on their essential structure and the hero's journey. This system is widely applied not only to screenplays but also to novels, TV dramas, and other storytelling media, serving as a practical framework used worldwide to help writers understand the core elements of their stories and construct effective plots.

screenwriting story structure Blake Snyder story classification creative writing

[item.monster-in-the-house]
code=01
slug=monster-in-the-house
name=Monster in the House
description=A story type where the hero must survive a monster in an enclosed space.

[item.golden-fleece]
code=02
slug=golden-fleece
name=Golden Fleece
description=A story type where a hero and their team embark on a quest to win a prize or accomplish a mission.

[item.out-of-the-bottle]
code=03
slug=out-of-the-bottle
name=Out of the Bottle
description=A wish-fulfillment story type where an ordinary hero's life is changed by magic.

[item.dude-with-a-problem]
code=04
slug=dude-with-a-problem
name=Dude with a Problem
description=A story type where an innocent hero is pulled into a life-or-death problem.

[item.rites-of-passage]
code=05
slug=rites-of-passage
name=Rites of Passage
description=A story type where a hero learns to face life problems through acceptance rather than avoidance.

[item.buddy-love]
code=06
slug=buddy-love
name=Buddy Love
description=A story type where a spiritually incomplete hero finds wholeness through a companion.

[item.whydunit]
code=07
slug=whydunit
name=Whydunit
description=A story type where a detective pursues a case to uncover the 'why' behind human darkness.

[item.fool-triumphant]
code=08
slug=fool-triumphant
name=Fool Triumphant
description=A story type where an underestimated fool triumphs against the establishment.

[item.institutionalized]
code=09
slug=institutionalized
name=Institutionalized
description=A story type where a hero must choose their relationship with a group or institution.

[item.superhero]
code=10
slug=superhero
name=Superhero
description=A story type where a hero with special powers faces a formidable nemesis or catastrophic problem.