Klaus
When Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) distinguishes himself as the postal academy's worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones), and discovers Klaus (Oscar® winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbors, magical lore and stockings hung by the chimney with care. An animated Christmas comedy directed by Despicable Me co-creator Sergio Pablos, KLAUS co-stars Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman and JK Simmons.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 12 wins & 26 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Klaus (2019) demonstrates precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Sergio Pablos's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 37 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 5.1, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jesper, a spoiled postman academy student, fails spectacularly at basic postal tasks in his father's luxurious office, establishing him as lazy, entitled, and incompetent.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Jesper arrives in Smeerensburg and discovers it's a frozen, hostile wasteland where people refuse to communicate, making his task of delivering letters seemingly impossible.. At 10% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 63 minutes (65% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The clans attack and destroy Klaus's workshop. Alva discovers Jesper's original selfish motivations and rejects him. Jesper loses everything: the workshop, Alva's trust, and his newfound purpose., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 68 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 71% of the runtime. Jesper and Klaus execute the ultimate Christmas delivery. The town's children and reformed adults help. The clans reconcile when they see their own children's joy. Alva forgives Jesper. The legend is complete., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Klaus's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Klaus against these established plot points, we can identify how Sergio Pablos utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Klaus within the animation genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Jesper, a spoiled postman academy student, fails spectacularly at basic postal tasks in his father's luxurious office, establishing him as lazy, entitled, and incompetent.
Theme
Jesper's father states: "A true act of goodwill always sparks another." This thematic premise about selfless kindness creating chain reactions will be tested throughout the story.
Worldbuilding
Jesper is given an ultimatum: post 6,000 letters in one year from Smeerensburg, the worst posting in the north, or be cut off. We meet the feuding Krum and Ellingboe clans and the miserable, isolated town.
Disruption
Jesper arrives in Smeerensburg and discovers it's a frozen, hostile wasteland where people refuse to communicate, making his task of delivering letters seemingly impossible.
Resistance
Jesper tries desperately to generate letters, failing repeatedly. Alva, the disillusioned teacher, and the ferryman Mogens provide reluctant guidance. Jesper discovers Klaus, a mysterious woodsman living alone.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The "Santa Claus" operation expands. Children write letters, Klaus makes toys, Jesper delivers them. The town begins to transform as acts of kindness spread: kids learn to read, feuding families start cooperating.
Opposition
The Krum and Ellingboe leaders realize peace threatens their power and plot to destroy the toy operation. Jesper's selfish origins are hinted at, creating internal conflict as he grows closer to Alva and Klaus.
Collapse
The clans attack and destroy Klaus's workshop. Alva discovers Jesper's original selfish motivations and rejects him. Jesper loses everything: the workshop, Alva's trust, and his newfound purpose.
Crisis
Jesper prepares to leave in shame. Klaus reveals his tragic backstory about his late wife and lost hope for family. Both men confront what they've lost and what truly matters.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Jesper and Klaus execute the ultimate Christmas delivery. The town's children and reformed adults help. The clans reconcile when they see their own children's joy. Alva forgives Jesper. The legend is complete.