Hero’s Journey 101: Definition and Step-by-Step Guide (With Checklist!)
The Hero’s Journey is an age-old story structure that can be found in everything from Theseus and the Minotaur to The Lion King. In this post, we’ll show you how to make this classic plot work for you u2014 and summarize everything in a handy infographic.
What is the Hero’s Journey?
The Hero’s Journey, also known as the monomyth, is a common story structure. In 1949, Joseph Campbell coined the three stages of the hero’s journey, and in his book The Writer’s Journey, Christopher Vogler refined Campbell’s original structure, defining 12 stages.
The 12 Steps of the Hero’s Journey
The Hero’s Journey is a story structure that applies across mediums and genres, and we’ve used the 1976 film Rocky as an example to show how it can be used outside of your average sword-and-sorcery novel.
1. Ordinary World
Before our Hero discovers a strange new world, we must first comprehend the status quo: their ordinary, mundane reality. It is up to this first leg to set the scene, introducing the Hero to readers and setting the stage for the rest of the story.
2. Call to Adventure
The Hero is confronted with a problem or challenge that they can’t ignore, which can take many forms, as Campbell points out in Hero with a Thousand Faces. The stakes of the adventure and the goals become clear.
Rocky: Call to Adventure:
The undisputed World Heavyweight Champion is Apollo Creed.
3. Refusal of the Call
In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker initially refuses to join Obi-Wan on his mission to rescue the princess because it is risky and there are perils u2014 such as spiders, trolls, or a creepy uncle waiting back at Pride Rock.
4. Meeting the Mentor
Mentors are people who help the Hero avoid making a fool of themselves by providing practical training, profound wisdom, or a kick in the pants. Mentors can take many forms, ranging from witches to hermits to suburban karate instructors.
Rocky: Meeting the Mentor
Mickey “Mighty Mick” Goldmill, a former boxer, sees potential in Rocky and begins training him for the fight to save his life.
What is a good example of the hero’s journey?
The journey home – Odysseus returns home to find his wife being courted by many suitors. Resurrection of the hero – Odysseus is patient and disguises himself as a beggar to test his wife’s fidelity.
Which is the correct sequence of a hero’s journey?
Follow Bilbo on each of the 12 steps of his journey, and plot your own character’s journey through the following areas: Ordinary World, Call of Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Meeting the Mentor, Crossing the First Threshold, Tests, Allies, Enemies, Approach to the Inmost Cave, Ordeal, Reward (Seizing the Sword),
How do you know the hero’s journey?
The hero’s journey is a common narrative archetype, or story template, in which a hero embarks on an adventure, learns a lesson, triumphs with that newfound knowledge, and then returns home transformed. The hero’s journey can be broken down into three stages: departure, learning, and victory.
What are the 12 stages of a hero’s journey?
The Hero’s Journey Has 12 Stages
- Call To Adventure.
- Refusal Of The Call.
- Meeting The Mentor.
- Crossing The Threshold.
- Tests, Allies, and Enemies.
- Approach To The Inmost Cave.
- Ordeal.
What are the 3 stages of a hero’s journey?
The Departure (or Separation), the Initiation, and the Return, according to Campbell, are the three main stages, each of which consists of several steps. During the Departure, the hero is introduced as they are presented with and prepare for their journey.
Is the Wizard of Oz a hero’s journey?
The Wizard of Oz is a classic Hero’s Journey that begins with Dorothy’s decision to leave home, and ends with her refusal to return home after being duped by the soon-to-be-wizard.
What are the 8 steps of a hero’s journey?
There are eight terms in this set.
- Challenges.
- Abyss.
- Transformation.
- Atonement.
- Return with a gift.
- The call. A problem is presented, and the hero cannot remain in the ordinary world.
- The call.
How do you start a hero’s journey story?
What is the best way to write a hero’s journey?
- First, create your hero. Forget about the traditional meanings of the word ‘hero,’ and let your imagination run wild.
- Then, give them a goal. Remember, stories exist on a literal level first and foremost.
- Finally, lay out the four quadrants of the story cycle.
What is the resolution in the hero’s journey?
When the main problem is solved, there is little room for the story to continue in an engaging way; when a story reaches resolution, conflicts are resolved in some way (for better or worse), and loose ends are sufficiently tied up.
Why is the hero’s journey so universal?
The point of this stage in the Hero’s Journey is that the Reward is never enough; no matter how much we hope they will, life’s physical rewards never satisfy us as deeply as we hope; the Hero’s Journey reflects this universal human truth by continuing the story even after the Hero appears to have gotten what they want.
Do all stories follow the hero’s journey?
Unfortunately, not every story follows this path; not every story is a Hero’s Journey, but every story fits within the structural concepts outlined in the Dramatica theory of storyif it has something meaningful to say.
What is the return in the hero’s journey?
The Hero has been resurrected, purified, and has earned the right to return to the Ordinary World and share the Elixir of the Journey. The true Hero returns with an Elixir to share with others or heal a wounded land.
What are the 10 stages of a hero’s journey?
Steps in the Hero’s Journey
- Step 1: The Ordinary World.
- Step 2: The Call to Adventure.
- Step 3: Cross the First Threshold.
- Step 4: Trials, Friends, and Foes.
- Step 5: Magical Mentor (or the Mentor with Supernatural Aid)
- Step 6: Dragon’s Lair.
- Step 7: Moment of Despair.
How does Moana follow the hero’s journey?
Moana begins her journey on her home island, where she is dissatisfied with her life and responsibilities; she notices that the island is dying, and she learns of Maui, who stole the green jewel known as the heart of Te Fiti from the island and is responsible for all of the destruction.
How is the Lion King a hero’s journey?
The Lion King is a true hero’s journey set in the African savannas, with Simba as the main character who reclaims his kingdom and defeats evil. The main character’s archetype is “king,” and he takes responsibility for his actions and his kingdom, restoring order and control.