Merging Plot Embryo with Save the Cat to Plot your Novel.

Dan Harmon, the creator of the TV series’s Rick and Morty, and Community, created the plot embryo. It contains 8 plot points, theme, and character arc.

Here are a few videos I recommend for learning the plot embryo: Rachael Stephen explains the inner pieces and the symmetry of a story, using the plot embryo. Many of the videos on her channel are about using the plot embryo. Here is another video of hers where she uses the plot embryo to fix the movie “Brave”.

Tyler Mowery explains how you can use the plot embryo for many assets of your story, including acts and scenes, if you choose.

Save the Cat

​Save the Cat writes a novel was created by Jessica Brody, who adapted it from Blake Snyder’s screenwriting series. It consists of 15 “beats” or plot points, including theme and character arc.

Here’s a video that shows how to use the Save the Cat method, or you can buy Jessica’s book here. I highly recommend it if you’re interested because each beat has its own chapter of explanation and ideas, along with how to plot a series, and more.

Why use Both?

I prefer to do the plot embryo first because of its symmetry and simplicity. It helps me make sure everything I need is there, without distractions or accessories. Once I’m happy with the plot embryo, I fill in the pieces to the Save the Cat outline.

1 YOU: Is the backstory that concreted your character’s misbelief. This event made them believe the way they do. This can be placed wherever it's needed throughout the story, it doesn't have to go at the beginning.

2 NEED: This usually contains the character flaw, Catalyst, and motive goal.

3 GO: This contains Break Into 2, entering the unfamiliar.

4 SEEK: This is Fun & Games, the point where their misbelief backfires.

5 FIND: This is the Midpoint, the character’s turning point where they start to understand the truth, or theme of your story. The stakes are raised here.

6 TAKE: This is a sacrifice point where the character must pay a heavy price for what they needed in 2 and got in 5. I consider this to be All is Lost where they make that sacrifice.

7 RETURN: This is when they return to the familiar, the beginning of the Finale.

8 CHANGED: This is Dig Deep the sub-beat in the Finale, showing how the character has changed, and now has the power to change things.

New YOU: Back to the beginning. This is the final Image, it should closely reflect the Opening Image, but feel different now because of the journey and changes made.

You can also use either method as a stand-alone. They don’t require each other, but for me, they work hand in hand.

Filling in the blanks

Once everything is transferred, I either plot my three acts with more embryos and fill in the other beats, or do brainstorming for each beat to fill in the rest. When brainstorming, try to write at least 5 possibilities before you decide on one, to get rid of cliche ideas first.

You could also use the scene card method for filling in the blanks from the book, Story Genius by Lisa Cron. Here is a video for scene cards as well.

I hope this was helpful! The books mentioned are not necessary to learn the techniques because of the video links I’ve provided, but they go far more in-depth if you’re interested in learning more!

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