Alien Script PDF Download: Plot, Characters and Ending

Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett use of slow pacing gives the reader time to get to know and love the individual characters. Rather than just being meat for the monster, the Alien characters feel like real people, with personality and emotions. This way, one someone does die, there are high stakes and real loss felt. Here is the infamous scene.

This exchange is important as it establishes that the crew of the Nostromo are subject to the whims of an unnamed corporation. Towards the end of the story, it is revealed that Ash has been working a covert mission, unbeknownst to the rest of the expendable crew.

Another important Alien quote occurs in the medical bay. As Ash tries to cut the alien off of Kane’s face, its blood melts through several floors. 

This scene is important as it establishes just how dangerous the creature is because of its acid blood. It also put the crew in a conundrum: killing it outright is not an option, not when you’re in space.

Here are some other great Alien quotes, some of which didn't make the final cut of the film. Can you spot which ones?

• “Ash. Urgent. Mother has deciphered part of the transmission. I’m afraid it may not be an S.O.S.”
• "It used him for an incubator."
• “He could die in twenty-four hours. Open the hatch…”
• "The problem between you and the Alien will produce a simple and elegant solution. Only one of you will survive."
• “Interesting combination of elements making it practically invulnerable.”
• “Expendable, I’m afraid. It wasn’t personal. Just luck of the draw.”
• “This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off.”

Alien Script Takeaway #3

Alien characters are strong

The Alien screenplay was originally written with “genderless” characters. Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett did this so that each of their characters wouldn’t fall into typical gender roles. This especially worked out for Ripley.

Rather than being a typical damsel in distress/final girl, becomes a strong leader amidst the rest of the crew. She stands up for what she thinks is right, even if that puts her in direct conflict with Dallas, the ship’s captain.

As Dallas and Lambert try to bring Kane back onto the ship, Ripley takes a stand against the captain for the overall safety of the crew. Here's the scene as originally written.

This scene also demonstrates the variety of personality amongst the Nostromo’s major crew members. Ripley is very “by-the-books” and wants to follow protocol. She believes that this is the best way to protect the rest of the crew from contamination. Dallas wants to get Kane to the medical bay as quickly as possible to save his life.

Both characters are trying to save lives, yet their individual stances put them in conflict with one another.

This scene also plants the seeds for the science officer, Ash. He disobeys Ripley's orders and allows Dallas, Lambert and Kane back onto the ship. On the surface, this seems to be an act of kindness. In reality, he did this because of his secret orders from the corporation he works for.

The Alien script develops its characters throughout the story. It’s what makes each death feel so memorable and relevant. By the time we read the infamous chestburster scene, the loss of Kane is not only gruesome, but also tragic.

A Simple Dinner Scene

Inside the 'chestburster scene'

Perhaps the most notorious scene in the Alien screenplay and film is what's commonly referred to as the 'chestburster scene.' From the name alone, you should know exactly what we're referring to.

The scene is shocking in a number of ways. First, Kane's recovery is assumed to be successful — he seems totally fine, if maybe a little exhausted. So, even though we know something must have happened to him, we probably don't expect this "remission" so soon.

Second, in a well-known bit of movie trivia, the actors in the scene also had no idea what to expect. They knew the general idea but they hadn't seen the practical effect or how much blood would be involved. Their reactions in the scene are genuine.

Let's watch the scene first and then we'll look at how it was originally scripted. Obviously, this scene is not for the squeamish. 

Wow, even with all the advancements we've made in CGI and VFX, the scene still works. Solid directing, acting, sound design, and creature effects all rolled into one. But how was the scene originally written? It's just as shocking, gruesome, and effective. Make sure to follow the image link to read the entire scene in all its gory glory.

Unlike many other contemporary horror stories, the Alien screenplay values its characters. When a character is killed, it's not just another body on the pile; it's a person that has suffered a terrible fate.

Alien Script Takeaway #4

The Alien ending has two parts

The Alien ending does a great job of deceiving the reader, as there is a false conclusion. After the remainder of the crew is picked off by the alien, Ripley activates the self-destruct sequence on the Nostromo. She narrowly escapes the explosion in a shuttle dubbed the Narcissus.

Here's how the first false ending is written. Follow the image link to read the second ending through to the end.

However, the story is not over. Look at the page count and you’ll see that there are 10 pages to go. What else could possibly happen? Hasn’t Ripley suffered enough?

No. The alien snuck aboard the shuttle, escaping certain death along with Ripley. There is one final climax to be had.

Ripley now has to face off with the alien in the true climax of the script. She knows she can’t beat it in a fight, so she carefully sneaks around the alien. She opens the airlock, hanging on for dear life. But the alien is a survivor too. It tries to get back onto the shuttle, so Ripley fires the engines, blowing the alien into the depths of space.