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12 Hero’s Journey Stages Explained (+ Free Templates)

From zero to hero, the hero’s journey is a popular character development arc used in many stories. In today’s post, we will explain the 12 hero’s journey stages, along with the simple example of Cinderella.

The Hero’s Journey was originally formulated by American writer Joseph Campbell to describe the typical character arc of many classic stories, particularly in the context of mythology and folklore. The original hero’s journey contained 17 steps. Although the hero’s journey has been adapted since then for use in modern fiction, the concept is not limited to literature. It can be applied to any story, video game, film or even music that features an archetypal hero who undergoes a transformation. Common examples of the hero’s journey in popular works include Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

• What is the hero's journey?

Stage 1: The Ordinary World

Stage 2: call of adventure, stage 3: refusal of the call, stage 4: meeting the mentor, stage 5: crossing the threshold, stage 6: tests, allies, enemies, stage 7: the approach, stage 8: the ordeal, stage 9: reward, stage 10: the road back, stage 11: resurrection, stage 12: return with the elixir, cinderella example, campbell’s 17-step journey, leeming’s 8-step journey, cousineau’s 8-step journey.

• Free Hero's Journey Templates

What is the hero’s journey?

The hero’s journey, also known as the monomyth, is a character arc used in many stories. The idea behind it is that heroes undergo a journey that leads them to find their true selves. This is often represented in a series of stages. There are typically 12 stages to the hero’s journey. Each stage represents a change in the hero’s mindset or attitude, which is triggered by an external or internal event. These events cause the hero to overcome a challenge, reach a threshold, and then return to a normal life.

The hero’s journey is a powerful tool for understanding your characters. It can help you decide who they are, what they want, where they came from, and how they will change over time. It can be used to

• Understand the challenges your characters will face
• Understand how your characters react to those challenges
• Help develop your characters’ traits and relationships

In this post, we will explain each stage of the hero’s journey, using the example of Cinderella.

You might also be interested in our post on the story mountain or this guide on how to outline a book .

12 Hero’s Journey Stages

The archetypal hero’s journey contains 12 stages and was created by Christopher Vogler. These steps take your main character through an epic struggle that leads to their ultimate triumph or demise. While these steps may seem formulaic at first glance, they actually form a very flexible structure. The hero’s journey is about transformation, not perfection.

Your hero starts out in the ordinary world. He or she is just like every other person in their environment, doing things that are normal for them and experiencing the same struggles and challenges as everyone else. In the ordinary world, the hero feels stuck and confused, so he or she goes on a quest to find a way out of this predicament.

Example: Cinderella’s father passes away and she is now stuck doing chores and taking abuse from her stepsisters and stepmother.

The hero gets his or her first taste of adventure when the call comes. This could be in the form of an encounter with a stranger or someone they know who encourages them to take a leap of faith. This encounter is typically an accident, a series of coincidences that put the hero in the right place at the right time.

Example: An invite arrives inviting the family to a royal ball where the Prince will choose a wife.

Some people will refuse to leave their safe surroundings and live by their own rules. The hero has to overcome the negative influences in order to hear the call again. They also have to deal with any personal doubts that arise from thinking too much about the potential dangers involved in the quest. It is common for the hero to deny their own abilities in this stage and to lack confidence in themselves.

Example: Cinderella accepts the call by making her own dress for the ball. However, her stepmother refuses the call for her by not letting her go to the ball. And her step-sisters ruin her dress, so she can not go.

After hearing the call, the hero begins a relationship with a mentor who helps them learn about themselves and the world. In some cases, the mentor may be someone the hero already knows. The mentor is usually someone who is well-versed in the knowledge that the hero needs to acquire, but who does not judge the hero for their lack of experience.

Example: Cinderella meets her fairy godmother who equips her with everything she needs for the ball, including a dress and a carriage.

The hero leaves their old life behind and enters the unfamiliar new world. The crossing of the threshold symbolises leaving their old self behind and becoming a new person. Sometimes this can include learning a new skill or changing their physical appearance. It can also include a time of wandering, which is an essential part of the hero’s journey.

Example: Cinderella hops into the carriage and heads off to the ball. She has transformed from a servant into an elegant young lady. 

As the hero goes on this journey, they will meet both allies (people who help the hero) and enemies (people who try to stop the hero). There will also be tests, where the hero is tempted to quit, turn back, or become discouraged. The hero must be persistent and resilient to overcome challenges.

Example: At the ball, Cinderella meets the prince, and even see’s her stepmother and stepsister. She dances with Prince all night long making her step-sisters extremely jealous.

The hero now reaches the destination of their journey, in some cases, this is a literal location, such as a cave or castle. It could also be metaphorical, such as the hero having an internal conflict or having to make a difficult decision. In either case, the hero has to confront their deepest fears in this stage with bravery. In some ways, this stage can mark the end of the hero’s journey because the hero must now face their darkest fears and bring them under control. If they do not do this, the hero could be defeated in the final battle and will fail the story.

Example: Cinderella is having a great time at the ball and nearly forgets about the midnight rule. As she runs away in a hurry, her glass slipper falls off outside the palace.

The hero has made it to the final challenge of their journey and now must face all odds and defeat their greatest adversary. Consider this the climax of the story. This could be in the form of a physical battle, a moral dilemma or even an emotional challenge. The hero will look to their allies or mentor for further support and guidance in this ordeal. Whatever happens in this stage could change the rest of the story, either for good or bad. 

Example: Prince Charming looks all over the kingdom for the mysterious girl he met at the ball. He finally visits Cinderella’s house and tries the slippers on the step-sisters. The prince is about to leave and then he sees Cinderella in the corner cleaning.

When the hero has defeated the most powerful and dangerous of adversaries, they will receive their reward. This reward could be an object, a new relationship or even a new piece of knowledge. The reward, which typically comes as a result of the hero’s perseverance and hard work, signifies the end of their journey. Given that the hero has accomplished their goal and served their purpose, it is a time of great success and accomplishment.

Example: The prince tries the glass slipper on Cinderella. The glass slipper fits Cinderella perfectly, and they fall in love.

The journey is now complete, and the hero is now heading back home. As the hero considers their journey and reflects on the lessons they learned along the way, the road back is sometimes marked by a sense of nostalgia or even regret. As they must find their way back to the normal world and reintegrate into their former life, the hero may encounter additional difficulties or tests along the way. It is common for the hero to run into previous adversaries or challenges they believed they had overcome.

Example: Cinderella and Prince Charming head back to the Prince’s castle to get married.

The hero has one final battle to face. At this stage, the hero might have to fight to the death against a much more powerful foe. The hero might even be confronted with their own mortality or their greatest fear. This is usually when the hero’s true personality emerges. This stage is normally symbolised by the hero rising from the dark place and fighting back. This dark place could again be a physical location, such as the underground or a dark cave. It might even be a dark, mental state, such as depression. As the hero rises again, they might change physically or even experience an emotional transformation. 

Example: Cinderella is reborn as a princess. She once again feels the love and happiness that she felt when she was a little girl living with her father.

At the end of the story, the hero returns to the ordinary world and shares the knowledge gained in their journey with their fellow man. This can be done by imparting some form of wisdom, an object of great value or by bringing about a social revolution. In all cases, the hero returns changed and often wiser.

Example: Cinderella and Prince Charming live happily ever after. She uses her new role to punish her stepmother and stepsisters and to revitalise the kingdom.

We have used the example of Cinderella in Vogler’s hero’s journey model below:

Below we have briefly explained the other variations of the hero’s journey arc.

The very first hero’s journey arc was created by Joseph Campbell in 1949. It contained the following 17 steps:

• The Call to Adventure: The hero receives a call or a reason to go on a journey.
• Refusal of the Call: The hero does not accept the quest. They worry about their own abilities or fear the journey itself.
• Supernatural Aid: Someone (the mentor) comes to help the hero and they have supernatural powers, which are usually magical.
• The Crossing of the First Threshold: A symbolic boundary is crossed by the hero, often after a test. 
• Belly of the Whale: The point where the hero has the most difficulty making it through.
• The Road of Trials: In this step, the hero will be tempted and tested by the outside world, with a number of negative experiences.
• The Meeting with the Goddess: The hero meets someone who can give them the knowledge, power or even items for the journey ahead.
• Woman as the Temptress: The hero is tempted to go back home or return to their old ways.
• Atonement with the Father: The hero has to make amends for any wrongdoings they may have done in the past. They need to confront whatever holds them back.
• Apotheosis: The hero gains some powerful knowledge or grows to a higher level. 
• The Ultimate Boon: The ultimate boon is the reward for completing all the trials of the quest. The hero achieves their ultimate goal and feels powerful.
• Refusal of the Return: After collecting their reward, the hero refuses to return to normal life. They want to continue living like gods. 
• The Magic Flight: The hero escapes with the reward in hand.
• Rescue from Without: The hero has been hurt and needs help from their allies or guides.
• The Crossing of the Return Threshold: The hero must come back and learn to integrate with the ordinary world once again.
• Master of the Two Worlds: The hero shares their wisdom or gifts with the ordinary world. Learning to live in both worlds.
• Freedom to Live: The hero accepts the new version of themselves and lives happily without fear.

David Adams Leeming later adapted the hero’s journey based on his research of legendary heroes found in mythology. He noted the following steps as a pattern that all heroes in stories follow:

• Miraculous conception and birth: This is the first trauma that the hero has to deal with. The Hero is often an orphan or abandoned child and therefore faces many hardships early on in life. 
• Initiation of the hero-child: The child faces their first major challenge. At this point, the challenge is normally won with assistance from someone else.
• Withdrawal from family or community: The hero runs away and is tempted by negative forces.
• Trial and quest: A quest finds the hero giving them an opportunity to prove themselves.
• Death: The hero fails and is left near death or actually does die.
• Descent into the underworld: The hero rises again from death or their near-death experience.
• Resurrection and rebirth: The hero learns from the errors of their way and is reborn into a better, wiser being.
• Ascension, apotheosis, and atonement: The hero gains some powerful knowledge or grows to a higher level (sometimes a god-like level). 

In 1990, Phil Cousineau further adapted the hero’s journey by simplifying the steps from Campbell’s model and rearranging them slightly to suit his own findings of heroes in literature. Again Cousineau’s hero’s journey included 8 steps:

• The call to adventure: The hero must have a reason to go on an adventure.
• The road of trials: The hero undergoes a number of tests that help them to transform.
• The vision quest: Through the quest, the hero learns the errors of their ways and has a realisation of something.
• The meeting with the goddess: To help the hero someone helps them by giving them some knowledge, power or even items for the journey ahead.
• The boon: This is the reward for completing the journey.
• The magic flight: The hero must escape, as the reward is attached to something terrible.
• The return threshold: The hero must learn to live back in the ordinary world.
• The master of two worlds: The hero shares their knowledge with the ordinary world and learns to live in both worlds.

As you can see, every version of the hero’s journey is about the main character showing great levels of transformation. Their journey may start and end at the same location, but they have personally evolved as a character in your story. Once a weakling, they now possess the knowledge and skill set to protect their world if needed.

Free Hero’s Journey Templates

Use the free Hero’s journey templates below to practice the skills you learned in this guide! You can either draw or write notes in each of the scene boxes. Once the template is complete, you will have a better idea of how your main character or the hero of your story develops over time:

The storyboard template below is a great way to develop your main character and organise your story:

Did you find this guide on the hero’s journey stages useful? Let us know in the comments below.

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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The hero's journey: a story structure as old as time, the hero's journey offers a powerful framework for creating quest-based stories emphasizing self-transformation..

Table of Contents

Holding out for a hero to take your story to the next level? 

The Hero’s Journey might be just what you’ve been looking for. Created by Joseph Campbell, this narrative framework packs mythic storytelling into a series of steps across three acts, each representing a crucial phase in a character's transformative journey.

Challenge . Growth . Triumph .

Whether you're penning a novel, screenplay, or video game, The Hero’s Journey is a tried-and-tested blueprint for crafting epic stories that transcend time and culture. Let’s explore the steps together and kickstart your next masterpiece.

What is the Hero’s Journey?

The Hero’s Journey is a famous template for storytelling, mapping a hero's adventurous quest through trials and tribulations to ultimate transformation. 

What are the Origins of the Hero’s Journey?

The Hero’s Journey was invented by Campbell in his seminal 1949 work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces , where he introduces the concept of the "monomyth."

A comparative mythologist by trade, Campbell studied myths from cultures around the world and identified a common pattern in their narratives. He proposed that all mythic narratives are variations of a single, universal story, structured around a hero's adventure, trials, and eventual triumph.

His work unveiled the archetypal hero’s path as a mirror to humanity’s commonly shared experiences and aspirations. It was subsequently named one of the All-Time 100 Nonfiction Books by TIME in 2011.

How are the Hero’s and Heroine’s Journeys Different? 

While both the Hero's and Heroine's Journeys share the theme of transformation, they diverge in their focus and execution.

The Hero’s Journey, as outlined by Campbell, emphasizes external challenges and a quest for physical or metaphorical treasures. In contrast, Murdock's Heroine’s Journey, explores internal landscapes, focusing on personal reconciliation, emotional growth, and the path to self-actualization.

In short, heroes seek to conquer the world, while heroines seek to transform their own lives; but…

Twelve Steps of the Hero’s Journey

So influential was Campbell’s monomyth theory that it's been used as the basis for some of the largest franchises of our generation: The Lord of the Rings , Harry Potter ...and George Lucas even cited it as a direct influence on Star Wars .

There are, in fact, several variations of the Hero's Journey, which we discuss further below. But for this breakdown, we'll use the twelve-step version outlined by Christopher Vogler in his book, The Writer's Journey (seemingly now out of print, unfortunately).

You probably already know the above stories pretty well so we’ll unpack the twelve steps of the Hero's Journey using Ben Gates’ journey in National Treasure as a case study—because what is more heroic than saving the Declaration of Independence from a bunch of goons?

Ye be warned: Spoilers ahead!

Act One: Departure

Step 1. the ordinary world.

The journey begins with the status quo—business as usual. We meet the hero and are introduced to the Known World they live in. In other words, this is your exposition, the starting stuff that establishes the story to come.

National Treasure begins in media res (preceded only by a short prologue), where we are given key information that introduces us to Ben Gates' world, who he is (a historian from a notorious family), what he does (treasure hunts), and why he's doing it (restoring his family's name).

With the help of his main ally, Riley, and a crew of other treasure hunters backed by a wealthy patron, he finds an 18th-century American ship in the Canadian Arctic, the Charlotte . Here, they find a ship-shaped pipe that presents a new riddle and later doubles as a key—for now, it's just another clue in the search for the lost treasure of the Templars, one that leads them to the Declaration of Independence.

Step 2. The Call to Adventure

The inciting incident takes place and the hero is called to act upon it. While they're still firmly in the Known World, the story kicks off and leaves the hero feeling out of balance. In other words, they are placed at a crossroads.

Ian (the wealthy patron of the Charlotte operation) steals the pipe from Ben and Riley and leaves them stranded. This is a key moment: Ian becomes the villain, Ben has now sufficiently lost his funding for this expedition, and if he decides to pursue the chase, he'll be up against extreme odds.

Step 3. Refusal of the Call

The hero hesitates and instead refuses their call to action. Following the call would mean making a conscious decision to break away from the status quo. Ahead lies danger, risk, and the unknown; but here and now, the hero is still in the safety and comfort of what they know.

Ben debates continuing the hunt for the Templar treasure. Before taking any action, he decides to try and warn the authorities: the FBI, Homeland Security, and the staff of the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence is housed and monitored. Nobody will listen to him, and his family's notoriety doesn't help matters.

Step 4. Meeting the Mentor

The protagonist receives knowledge or motivation from a powerful or influential figure. This is a tactical move on the hero's part—remember that it was only the previous step in which they debated whether or not to jump headfirst into the unknown. By Meeting the Mentor, they can gain new information or insight, and better equip themselves for the journey they might to embark on.

Abigail, an archivist at the National Archives, brushes Ben and Riley off as being crazy, but Ben uses the interaction to his advantage in other ways—to seek out information about how the Declaration of Independence is stored and cared for, as well as what (and more importantly, who) else he might be up against in his own attempt to steal it.

In a key scene, we see him contemplate the entire operation while standing over the glass-encased Declaration of Independence. Finally, he firmly decides to pursue the treasure and stop Ian, uttering the famous line, "I'm gonna steal the Declaration of Independence."

Act Two: Initiation

Step 5. crossing the threshold.

The hero leaves the Known World to face the Unknown World. They are fully committed to the journey, with no way to turn back now. There may be a confrontation of some sort, and the stakes will be raised.

Ben and Riley infiltrate the National Archives during a gala and successfully steal the Declaration of Independence. But wait—it's not so easy. While stealing the Declaration of Independence, Abigail suspects something is up and Ben faces off against Ian.

Then, when trying to escape the building, Ben exits through the gift shop, where an attendant spots the document peeking out of his jacket. He is forced to pay for it, feigning that it's a replica—and because he doesn't have enough cash, he has to use his credit card, so there goes keeping his identity anonymous.

The game is afoot.

Step 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

The hero explores the Unknown World. Now that they have firmly crossed the threshold from the Known World, the hero will face new challenges and possibly meet new enemies. They'll have to call upon their allies, new and old, in order to keep moving forward.

Abigail reluctantly joins the team under the agreement that she'll help handle the Declaration of Independence, given her background in document archiving and restoration. Ben and co. seek the aid of Ben's father, Patrick Gates, whom Ben has a strained relationship with thanks to years of failed treasure hunting that has created a rift between grandfather, father, and son. Finally, they travel around Philadelphia deciphering clues while avoiding both Ian and the FBI.

Step 7. Approach the Innermost Cave

The hero nears the goal of their quest, the reason they crossed the threshold in the first place. Here, they could be making plans, having new revelations, or gaining new skills. To put it in other familiar terms, this step would mark the moment just before the story's climax.

Ben uncovers a pivotal clue—or rather, he finds an essential item—a pair of bifocals with interchangeable lenses made by Benjamin Franklin. It is revealed that by switching through the various lenses, different messages will be revealed on the back of the Declaration of Independence. He's forced to split from Abigail and Riley, but Ben has never been closer to the treasure.

Step 8. The Ordeal

The hero faces a dire situation that changes how they view the world. All threads of the story come together at this pinnacle, the central crisis from which the hero will emerge unscathed or otherwise. The stakes will be at their absolute highest here.

Vogler details that in this stage, the hero will experience a "death," though it need not be literal. In your story, this could signify the end of something and the beginning of another, which could itself be figurative or literal. For example, a certain relationship could come to an end, or it could mean someone "stuck in their ways" opens up to a new perspective.

In National Treasure , The FBI captures Ben and Ian makes off with the Declaration of Independence—all hope feels lost. To add to it, Ian reveals that he's kidnapped Ben's father and threatens to take further action if Ben doesn't help solve the final clues and lead Ian to the treasure.

Ben escapes the FBI with Ian's help, reunites with Abigail and Riley, and leads everyone to an underground structure built below Trinity Church in New York City. Here, they manage to split from Ian once more, sending him on a goose chase to Boston with a false clue, and proceed further into the underground structure.

Though they haven't found the treasure just yet, being this far into the hunt proves to Ben's father, Patrick, that it's real enough. The two men share an emotional moment that validates what their family has been trying to do for generations.

Step 9. Reward

This is it, the moment the hero has been waiting for. They've survived "death," weathered the crisis of The Ordeal, and earned the Reward for which they went on this journey.

Now, free of Ian's clutches and with some light clue-solving, Ben, Abigail, Riley, and Patrick keep progressing through the underground structure and eventually find the Templar's treasure—it's real and more massive than they could have imagined. Everyone revels in their discovery while simultaneously looking for a way back out.

Act Three: Return

Step 10. the road back.

It's time for the journey to head towards its conclusion. The hero begins their return to the Known World and may face unexpected challenges. Whatever happens, the "why" remains paramount here (i.e. why the hero ultimately chose to embark on their journey).

This step marks a final turning point where they'll have to take action or make a decision to keep moving forward and be "reborn" back into the Known World.

Act Three of National Treasure is admittedly quite short. After finding the treasure, Ben and co. emerge from underground to face the FBI once more. Not much of a road to travel back here so much as a tunnel to scale in a crypt.

Step 11. Resurrection

The hero faces their ultimate challenge and emerges victorious, but forever changed. This step often requires a sacrifice of some sort, and having stepped into the role of The Hero™, they must answer to this.

Ben is given an ultimatum— somebody has to go to jail (on account of the whole stealing-the-Declaration-of-Independence thing). But, Ben also found a treasure worth millions of dollars and that has great value to several nations around the world, so that counts for something.

Ultimately, Ben sells Ian out, makes a deal to exonerate his friends and family, and willingly hands the treasure over to the authorities. Remember: he wanted to find the treasure, but his "why" was to restore the Gates family name, so he won regardless.

Step 12. Return With the Elixir

Finally, the hero returns home as a new version of themself, the elixir is shared amongst the people, and the journey is completed full circle.

The elixir, like many other elements of the hero's journey, can be literal or figurative. It can be a tangible thing, such as an actual elixir meant for some specific purpose, or it could be represented by an abstract concept such as hope, wisdom, or love.

Vogler notes that if the Hero's Journey results in a tragedy, the elixir can instead have an effect external to the story—meaning that it could be something meant to affect the audience and/or increase their awareness of the world.

In the final scene of National Treasure , we see Ben and Abigail walking the grounds of a massive estate. Riley pulls up in a fancy sports car and comments on how they could have gotten more money. They all chat about attending a museum exhibit in Cairo (Egypt).

In one scene, we're given a lot of closure: Ben and co. received a hefty payout for finding the treasure, Ben and Abigail are a couple now, and the treasure was rightfully spread to those it benefitted most—in this case, countries who were able to reunite with significant pieces of their history. Everyone's happy, none of them went to jail despite the serious crimes committed, and they're all a whole lot wealthier. Oh, Hollywood.

Variations of the Hero's Journey

Plot structure is important, but you don't need to follow it exactly; and, in fact, your story probably won't. Your version of the Hero's Journey might require more or fewer steps, or you might simply go off the beaten path for a few steps—and that's okay!

What follows are three additional versions of the Hero's Journey, which you may be more familiar with than Vogler's version presented above.

Dan Harmon's Story Circle (or, The Eight-Step Hero's Journey)

Screenwriter Dan Harmon has riffed on the Hero's Journey by creating a more compact version, the Story Circle —and it works especially well for shorter-format stories such as television episodes, which happens to be what Harmon writes.

The Story Circle comprises eight simple steps with a heavy emphasis on the hero's character arc:

• The hero is in a zone of comfort...
• But they want something.
• They enter an unfamiliar situation...
• And adapt to it by facing trials.
• They get what they want...
• But they pay a heavy price for it.
• They return to their familiar situation...
• Having changed.

You may have noticed, but there is a sort of rhythm here. The eight steps work well in four pairs, simplifying the core of the Hero's Journey even further:

• The hero is in a zone of comfort, but they want something.
• They enter an unfamiliar situation and have to adapt via new trials.
• They get what they want, but they pay a price for it.
• They return to their zone of comfort, forever changed.

If you're writing shorter fiction, such as a short story or novella, definitely check out the Story Circle. It's the Hero's Journey minus all the extraneous bells & whistles.

Ten-Step Hero's Journey

The ten-step Hero's Journey is similar to the twelve-step version we presented above. It includes most of the same steps except for Refusal of the Call and Meeting the Mentor, arguing that these steps aren't as essential to include; and, it moves Crossing the Threshold to the end of Act One and Reward to the end of Act Two.

• The Ordinary World
• The Call to Adventure
• Crossing the Threshold
• Tests, Allies, Enemies
• Approach the Innermost Cave
• The Road Back
• Resurrection
• Return with Elixir

We've previously written about the ten-step hero's journey in a series of essays separated by act: Act One (with a prologue), Act Two , and Act Three .

Twelve-Step Hero's Journey: Version Two

Again, the second version of the twelve-step hero's journey is very similar to the one above, save for a few changes, including in which story act certain steps appear.

This version skips The Ordinary World exposition and starts right at The Call to Adventure; then, the story ends with two new steps in place of Return With Elixir: The Return and The Freedom to Live.

• The Refusal of the Call
• Meeting the Mentor
• Test, Allies, Enemies
• Approaching the Innermost Cave
• The Resurrection
• The Return*
• The Freedom to Live*

In the final act of this version, there is more of a focus on an internal transformation for the hero. They experience a metamorphosis on their journey back to the Known World, return home changed, and go on to live a new life, uninhibited.

Seventeen-Step Hero's Journey

Finally, the granddaddy of heroic journeys: the seventeen-step Hero's Journey. This version includes a slew of extra steps your hero might face out in the expanse.

• Refusal of the Call
• Supernatural Aid (aka Meeting the Mentor)
• Belly of the Whale*: This added stage marks the hero's immediate descent into danger once they've crossed the threshold.
• Road of Trials (...with Allies, Tests, and Enemies)
• Meeting with the Goddess/God*: In this stage, the hero meets with a new advisor or powerful figure, who equips them with the knowledge or insight needed to keep progressing forward.
• Woman as Temptress (or simply, Temptation)*: Here, the hero is tempted, against their better judgment, to question themselves and their reason for being on the journey. They may feel insecure about something specific or have an exposed weakness that momentarily holds them back.
• Atonement with the Father (or, Catharthis)*: The hero faces their Temptation and moves beyond it, shedding free from all that holds them back.
• Apotheosis (aka The Ordeal)
• The Ultimate Boon (aka the Reward)
• Refusal of the Return*: The hero wonders if they even want to go back to their old life now that they've been forever changed.
• The Magic Flight*: Having decided to return to the Known World, the hero needs to actually find a way back.
• Rescue From Without*: Allies may come to the hero's rescue, helping them escape this bold, new world and return home.
• Crossing of the Return Threshold (aka The Return)
• Master of Two Worlds*: Very closely resembling The Resurrection stage in other variations, this stage signifies that the hero is quite literally a master of two worlds—The Known World and the Unknown World—having conquered each.
• Freedom to Live

Again, we skip the Ordinary World opening here. Additionally, Acts Two and Three look pretty different from what we've seen so far, although, the bones of the Hero's Journey structure remain.

The Eight Hero’s Journey Archetypes

The Hero is, understandably, the cornerstone of the Hero’s Journey, but they’re just one of eight key archetypes that make up this narrative framework.

In The Writer's Journey , Vogler outlined seven of these archetypes, only excluding the Ally, which we've included below. Here’s a breakdown of all eight with examples: 

1. The Hero

As outlined, the Hero is the protagonist who embarks on a transformative quest or journey. The challenges they overcome represent universal human struggles and triumphs. 

Vogler assigned a "primary function" to each archetype—helpful for establishing their role in a story. The Hero's primary function is "to service and sacrifice."

Example: Neo from The Matrix , who evolves from a regular individual into the prophesied savior of humanity.

2. The Mentor

A wise guide offering knowledge, tools, and advice, Mentors help the Hero navigate the journey and discover their potential. Their primary function is "to guide."

Example: Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid imparts not only martial arts skills but invaluable life lessons to Daniel.

3. The Ally

Companions who support the Hero, Allies provide assistance, friendship, and moral support throughout the journey. They may also become a friends-to-lovers romantic partner. 

Not included in Vogler's list is the Ally, though we'd argue they are essential nonetheless. Let's say their primary function is "to aid and support."

Example: Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings , a loyal friend and steadfast supporter of Frodo.

4. The Herald

The Herald acts as a catalyst to initiate the Hero's Journey, often presenting a challenge or calling the hero to adventure. Their primary function is "to warn or challenge."

Example: Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games , whose selection at the Reaping sets Katniss’s journey into motion.

5. The Trickster

A character who brings humor and unpredictability, challenges conventions, and offers alternative perspectives or solutions. Their primary function is "to disrupt."

Example: Loki from Norse mythology exemplifies the trickster, with his cunning and chaotic influence.

6. The Shapeshifter

Ambiguous figures whose allegiance and intentions are uncertain. They may be a friend one moment and a foe the next. Their primary function is "to question and deceive."

Example: Catwoman from the Batman universe often blurs the line between ally and adversary, slinking between both roles with glee.

7. The Guardian

Protectors of important thresholds, Guardians challenge or test the Hero, serving as obstacles to overcome or lessons to be learned. Their primary function is "to test."

Example: The Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail literally bellows “None shall pass!”—a quintessential ( but not very effective ) Guardian.

8. The Shadow

Represents the Hero's inner conflict or an antagonist, often embodying the darker aspects of the hero or their opposition. Their primary function is "to destroy."

Example: Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender; initially an adversary, his journey parallels the Hero’s path of transformation.

While your story does not have to use all of the archetypes, they can help you develop your characters and visualize how they interact with one another—especially the Hero.

For example, take your hero and place them in the center of a blank worksheet, then write down your other major characters in a circle around them and determine who best fits into which archetype. Who challenges your hero? Who tricks them? Who guides them? And so on...

Stories that Use the Hero’s Journey

Not a fan of saving the Declaration of Independence? Check out these alternative examples of the Hero’s Journey to get inspired: 

• Epic of Gilgamesh : An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem thought to be one of the earliest examples of the Hero’s Journey (and one of the oldest recorded stories).
• The Lion King (1994): Simba's exile and return depict a tale of growth, responsibility, and reclaiming his rightful place as king.
• The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo: Santiago's quest for treasure transforms into a journey of self-discovery and personal enlightenment.
• Coraline by Neil Gaiman: A young girl's adventure in a parallel world teaches her about courage, family, and appreciating her own reality.
• Kung Fu Panda (2008): Po's transformation from a clumsy panda to a skilled warrior perfectly exemplifies the Hero's Journey. Skadoosh!

The Hero's Journey is so generalized that it's ubiquitous. You can plop the plot of just about any quest-style narrative into its framework and say that the story follows the Hero's Journey. Try it out for yourself as an exercise in getting familiar with the method.

Will the Hero's Journey Work For You?

As renowned as it is, the Hero's Journey works best for the kinds of tales that inspired it: mythic stories.

Writers of speculative fiction may gravitate towards this method over others, especially those writing epic fantasy and science fiction (big, bold fantasy quests and grand space operas come to mind).

The stories we tell today are vast and varied, and they stretch far beyond the dealings of deities, saving kingdoms, or acquiring some fabled "elixir." While that may have worked for Gilgamesh a few thousand years ago, it's not always representative of our lived experiences here and now.

If you decide to give the Hero's Journey a go, we encourage you to make it your own! The pieces of your plot don't have to neatly fit into the structure, but you can certainly make a strong start on mapping out your story.

Hero's Journey Campfire Template

The Timeline Module in Campfire offers a versatile canvas to plot out each basic component of your story while featuring nested "notebooks."

Simply double-click on each event card in your timeline to open up a canvas specific to that card. This allows you to look at your plot at the highest level, while also adding as much detail for each plot element as needed!

If you're just hearing about Campfire for the first time, it's free to sign up—forever! Let's plot the most epic of hero's journeys 👇

Lessons From the Hero’s Journey

The Hero's Journey offers a powerful framework for creating stories centered around growth, adventure, and transformation.

If you want to develop compelling characters, spin out engaging plots, and write books that express themes of valor and courage, consider The Hero’s Journey your blueprint. So stop holding out for a hero, and start writing!

Does your story mirror the Hero's Journey? Let us know in the comments below.

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Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey: A Better Screenplay in 17 Steps

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dds are that if you’ve had any interest in writing a script within the past fifty years you’ve heard of the Hero’s Journey. A writer you got drinks with swore by it, a film professor suggested you read about it.  Or you overheard the barista at your local coffee shop talking about how Die Hard is a picture-perfect template for it. But… what is it? I’ll explain all of the Hero’s Journey’s 17 steps and provide examples in the modern canon. Then you can kick writer’s block and get a strong script into the hands of agents and producers.

Watch: The Hero's Journey Explained

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• Call to Action
• Refusal of Call
• Supernatural Aid
• Crossing The Threshold
• Belly of the Whale
• The Road of Trials
• Meeting the Goddess
• Atonement With the Father
• The Ultimate Boon
• Refusal of Return
• Magic Flight
• Rescue from Without
• Crossing the Return Threshold
• Master of Two Worlds
• Freedom to Live

Hero’s Journey Examples

The monomyth featuring three of your favorite franchises!

The hero's journey begins, 1. call to action.

Adventure is calling. Will your hero pick up?

The initial step in the first act of the Hero’s Journey - known as the departure - is the “call to action." The Hero is beckoned to go on a journey. Think Frodo Baggins meeting Gandalf. Or the Owl inviting Harry Potter to Hogwarts. 

If having a tall wizard extend a hand may be a little too on the nose for you, don't worry. This comes in all forms. In   Citizen Kane , the mystery surrounding Charles Foster Kane’s final words is the call to action for the reporter, Jerry Thompson, to get to work.

The Hero Hesitates

2. refusal of call.

Next is the Hero’s “refusal of call.” The Hero initially balks at the idea of leaving their lives. The Shire is beautiful, after all, who wants to embark on a dangerous journey across the world? 

This refusal is typically because of a duty or obligation they have at home. Be it family, or work, it’s something our Hero cares deeply about. But, as pressure mounts, they eventually succumb and decide to leave with the help of “supernatural aid.”

The Hero Receives Assistance

3. supernatural aid.

Once the Hero has committed themselves to embarking on whatever that quest may be (keep in mind, a Hero’s Journey can apply to a modern, emotional story, as well), they receive “supernatural aid.”

Individuals give the Hero information or tools at the start of their journey to help their chances of completing the task. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it definitely wasn’t built alone. Every hero has a set of allies helping them get the job done. From Luke, Han, and Chewie to Harry, Ron, and Hermoine, these teams are iconic and nearly inseparable.

The tools provided come in handy as the Hero begins…

The Hero Commits

4. crossing the threshold.

Now the hero ventures into a new, unfamiliar world where the rules and dangers are unknown. They’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto, and that becomes evidently clear when monkeys start flying. 

This stage often requires a few examples to crystalize the change in environment from familiar to dangerous. The contrast is key to play up how ill-prepared they initially are.

The Hero is Challenged

5. belly of the whale.

Next thing you know, we're in “the belly of the whale.” The first point of real danger in the Hero’s Journey. Taken from the Biblical story of Jonah entering a literal whale’s belly, it’s here that the dangers we’ve been warned about are manifested into tangible characters. Like hungry Orcs with swords.

This is Jonah moments before actually being in the belly of the whale.

Now our Hero must make a decision to continue and, in turn, undergo a personal metamorphosis in the process. 

They will not be the same individual at the end of this tale as they were in the beginning.  This must be made clear while in the belly of the whale, as we enter Initiation, or act two. Which is the longest slice of the Hero’s Journey pie.

This part is filled with the most failure and risk, and ends with the climax. But first, it starts with... 

The Hero is Tested

6. the road of trials.

“Road of trials” is a set of three tests that the Hero must take. Usually they will fail at least one of these tests. This could be a montage. It could also be a series of obstacles leading to a smaller goal in the journey. 

Here is where the Hero learns to use his or her tools and allies while on their way to a...

The Great Advisor

7. meeting the goddess.

At this point in the monomyth, our Hero needs a break to adjust perspective and digest the ways they've changed. It’s here that they meet with an advisor, or a trusted individual, who will help them gain a better insight into the next steps of the journey. Frodo met with Galadriel, an elf who enlightened him with visions of potential futures.

This is Frodo meeting with the goddess

Luke met Leia, and the two formed of a bond of kinship, motivating them to commit more to their cause. This individual doesn’t have to be a woman, but whoever it is our hero will gain something from the wisdom they impart.

But no good deed goes unpunished, and as we reward our Heroes in storytelling, we must also tempt them to failure.

The Hero is Torn

8. temptation.

Much like “road of trials,” “temptation” is a test in the Hero’s Journey. It presents a set of, well… temptations... that our Hero must either overcome or avoid. These temptations pick and pull at the insecurities of the Hero. A microcosm can be found in our own everyday lives with the simple act of getting out of bed.

The temptation to stay in the cozy confines of our comforters (and comfort zones) can be strong and sometimes overwhelming. This must be manifested in our story with some type of a cheap way out. Or an opportunity to throw in the towel. Our Hero must decline and press forward, nobly facing danger.

A Moment of Catharsis

9. atonement with the father.

Once they’ve thrown away their temptations, the Hero enters the “atonement with the father.” This is always an emotional part of the Hero’s Journey. It's a point in the monomyth where our protagonist must confront an aspect of their character from act one that has been slowing them down.

Something that could be fatal to their journey in the coming climactic stages. While this is actuated as a confrontation with a male entity, it doesn’t have to be.

The point here is that the Hero finds within themselves a change from who they were into someone more capable. Harry has to reconcile with the loss of his father figure, Dumbledore. Now take on Voldemort alone, using the lessons he’s learned on the way. Just like Luke...and every other hero ever. This is the emotional climax of the story.

"Tell your sister... you were riiiiiiiiiight..."

Death of the hero, 10. apotheosis.

With a new sense of confidence and clarity we must then make our Hero deal with “apotheosis.” This is the stage of the Hero’s Journey where a greater perspective is achieved. Often embodied by a death of the Hero’s former self; where the old Frodo has died and the new one is born.  

But this is sometimes interpreted as a more “a-ha!” moment — a breakthrough that leads to the narrative’s climax. This, too, can be tied to the death of Dumbledore and Harry’s reconciliation with the loss. This step is usually the final motivator for the Hero, driving the story into...

THe Hero Victorious

11. the ultimate boon.

This monomyth step is the physical climax of the story. This is often considered the MacGuffin of a film — the physical object that drives our Hero’s motivation. But it's a MacGuffin, to use Hitchcock's famous term, because ultimately... it doesn't matter.

In  Pulp Fiction , we never find out what’s in the briefcase, but it’s the briefcase that led them on the wild journey. When we find out what “Rosebud” actually means, it simply forms a lynchpin to help us understand who Charles Foster Kane was. The mission is accomplished and the world can rest easy knowing that it is safe from evil.

The Hero's Journey Home

12. refusal of return.

Upon a successful completion of the Hero’s Journey, and a transformation into a different person, the Hero has a “refusal to return.” The Shire seems so boring now and the last thing Harry wants is to go back to that drawer under the stairs. 

And, oftentimes, the return can be just as dangerous. This is the beginning of the third act of Campbell’s Hero’s Journey (known as the Return) and, while shorter, should still contain conflict. Our next step is an opportunity for that...

The Hero Transported

13. magic flight.

This is the point in the Hero’s Journey where they must get out alive, often requiring the help of individuals they met along the way. Dorothy still has to get back to Kansas, the solution to which may seem like a leap of faith.  

The eagles rescue from without with a magic flight to Frodo and friends

The hero's rescue, 14. rescue from without.

Bringing us to the “rescuers from without” point in the monomyth. Just because Frodo destroyed the one ring to rule them all doesn’t mean he gets a free ride back to the Shire. Remember those giant eagles we met a while back in act two? Well their back just in time!

Homeward Bound

15. crossing the return threshold.

Once the Hero is back home, it’s time to acknowledge their change in character. “Crossing the return threshold” is the stage in the monomyth where the hero has left the chaos of the outer world and return home.

But it's hard to adjust to the old world. Remember that scene where Frodo tried to enjoy a beer back at the shire? Hard to go back to normal when you essentially live with Dark Lord PTSD.

A Triumphant Return

16. master of two worlds.

The hero survived an adventure in the chaos realm, and now survives in the normal order realm. This makes him or her the master of two worlds. Not many people come back and live to tell the tale.  

Frodo and Gandalf wandering off into the sunset post accomplishing their mission

Plus which, throughout the story, they’ve become someone much more capable and resilient than they were in act one. They've learned lessons, and brought what they learned home with them. 

Whatever issues they may have had before embarking on this chaotic tale (often the ones preventing from taking the call to action) now pale in comparison with what they’ve been through.

It’s easier to deal with your annoying cousin, Dudley, after you’ve defeated Voldemort. This, in turn, leads to...

The New Status Quo

17. freedom to live.

In many ways the Hero's Journey is about death and rebirth. The story may manifest as the death of an aspect of character, and the birth of some new way of life. But the metaphor behind any story is one about mortality.

Change is constant. Hero's living through the Hero's Journey are models for us. Models that we can travers the constant change of existence, face our mortality, and continue. In a religious sense, and religions are all part of the monomyth, this is about the eternal spirit. 

Look no farther than the prayer of St. Francis to understand this final step in the Hero's quest. "It is in dying that we are born to eternal life." 

The Hero’s Journey Concludes

Cinematic heroes.

The monomyth is practically ubiquitous in Hollywood. As you’ve read earlier, Harry Potter , Star Wars ,   Lord of the Rings ,  and   Citizen Kane all follow the Hero’s Journey. But, because this concept was built upon the foundations of major mythologies, it's truly a "tale as old as time." 

Because Campbell discovered the Hero's Journey. He didn't make it up. Neither did those older myths. He realized as an anthropologist, that every culture all around the globe had the same story beats in all their myths. 

Sure, some myths, and some movies, use 10 of the 17, or even just 5. But throughout human history, around the world, these story beats keep showing up. In cultures that had nothing to do with one another. 

The Hero's Journey is a concept innate to being human. 

And if remembering these 17 steps may seem a little daunting, fear not. Make sure to check out Dan Harmon's abridged 8-step variation of the Hero's Journey monomyth.  Same structure, just made more digestible.

Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 

Practically speaking, the Hero’s Journey is an excellent tool for structuring an outline in a clear and familiar way. It has the power to make your script much more powerful and emotionally resonant. 

It’s circular, allowing for repeat adventures (which works well if you're learning how to write a TV pilot ) and each aspect drives the hero to the next. From the Goddess, the Hero finds temptation. From reconciling with the father, the Hero is now prepared for the final boon.

Story Circle  •  8 Proven Steps to Better Stories

Using a Hero’s Journey worksheet can help you write a treatment or create a well-structured outline , which is a valuable tool for creating a strong first draft.

By putting in the 17 steps of the Hero’s Journey before building the outline, you can ensure that the writing process will flow smoothly and efficiently. Let us know in the comments how the monomyth has helped you craft a story that escalates with every beat to an exciting climax.  

Up Next: Dan Harmon's Story Circle →

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• Apr 11, 2022

Visual Storytelling: Introduction: The Hero's Journey

The Hero´s Journey

Carl Jung famously theorizes that myths are none other than the dreams of the collective mind. He went to demonstrate this idea by noting how all dreams and myths in history are populated by the same heavily standardized figures, which he called archetypes. He believed these characters and the roles they play, in every collective story and individual dream, were common to the entire human species because they were bequeathed through the collective unconscious. Based on his reasoning, these types, each with their epitomized attributes, are a prosopopoeia of all the parts of ourselves who live in the penumbra of our psyche.

A few decades later, Joseph Campbell, an expert in comparative mythology and religion, tries to further develop Jung’s theory. In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, he analyses a plethora of ancient myths and stories from every corner of the earth through the lens of the archetypes’ argument and finally demonstrates the constant existence of several identifiable figures in all epic and legendary narratives. There are numerous archetypes, but Campbell ascertained that there are a few notable stronghold figures, such as 'the Hero', 'the Mentor', 'the Shadow', 'the Shapeshifter', 'the Ally' and 'the Trickster'. He however took his analysis a step further as he found that there is a specific template guiding the design of stories which almost resembles a planned script. The protagonists, he noticed, all follow a similarly-paced heroic path; every hero faces akin challenges in the same order and with undeniably similar timing. He defined the cornerstones of the Hero’s adventure, effectively discovering the lines of a pattern which he named ' The Hero’s Journey' .

Campbell’s theories, on the common universal structure of every tale, myth, story and narration, became a crucial axiom in the artistic field. The delineation of this narrative framework, which Campbell considered to be “[…] a blueprint to leading an audience through a profound, transformative experience” (1949, p.14), gained the essential role of becoming a pillar for cinematographic and visual screenwriting.

The screenplay-oriented guide to the Hero’s Journey is definitely laid down by Christopher Vogler in his book, The Writer’s Journey . He sums up both Jung and Campbell’s theories and he proves that movies and television products, just as plays, fairy tales and epic sagas, have unconsciously maintained the portrayal of these archetypes and the narrative structure of the Hero’s Journey (Vogler, 2007, p. XXVII).

Vogler arranges the phases of this path in the classical Aristotelian three-act structure in order to make the scheme more comprehensible from a screenwriting angle.

Act One normally opens the curtains on the 'Ordinary World'; the reality in which the Hero has been living their entire life. This phase is set to illustrate, in the sharpest and quickest way possible, all we need to know about our hero's inner and outer life: their background, what their values are, what their life has consisted of thus far, the people they love and the sacrifices they are willing to make. The Ordinary World is a safe, monotonous, space, short of any possible challenge and a familiar ground which represents a comfort zone.

At times, the first act is actually preceded by a prologue. This is an external piece of the narration that may inform the audience about possible past or parallel events that are or will be an integral part of the tale. In the series Game of Thrones, the scene shown in the first few minutes of the pilot episode is of a group of men from the Night’s Watch who find themselves face to face with the threat of the White Walkers. At this point in time, neither the public nor the characters are aware of the fact that the White Walkers will be the greatest and ultimate forthcoming enemy of the entire story. The scene following is, in fact, an immediate presentation of the Ordinary World as the viewer is introduced to the Stark family in their normal everyday life at Winterfell, and the connection to the prologue remains vague and to be defined as the show goes on.

The first act comes to a turning point with 'The Call to Adventure'. This is the moment the Hero receives the call that will get the story rolling. This proposal may come in any form, whether it be through a messenger, a sudden discovery, a personal revelation or a stirring within the Hero’s inner moral code. The one fixed purpose of this phase is for the Hero to be presented with a request to leave their world and venture into the unknown, which will actively shatter their perception of reality.

The Hero at this point is either forced into the adventure or has to ponder whether to leave his simple but somehow comfortable life for a perilous and foreign environment. Sometimes, when he firstly rejects this call, there is an intermediate step called 'Refusal of the Call'. It is and emblematic moment for the audience to understand that the adventurous feat is not a trivial enterprise, but a high-stakes wager that could lead the Hero to lose his life or fortune (Vogler, 2017, pp.107-108). The Hero’s fear and reluctance helps the viewer to sympathize with their flawed, recognizable human traits.

Before making the final decision, the Hero meets with the Mentor, one of the main archetypes of every story. The Mentor, whether their deep knowledge be because of their own past experience or because of a special talent, tries to assist the Hero in their quest to find the right path, and often reminds them that the answers they seek are already clear. The Hero is necessarily faced with the realization that they must go into action, which leads them to the final step of Act One, called 'Crossing the First Threshold'. At this point in the story, the Hero commits wholeheartedly to the pursuit. Very often, this moment is defined by the literal crossing of a physical barrier towards the Special World, like doors, gates, or arches. (Vogler, 2007, pp.129-130).

The transition between Act One and Act Two, which in old movies is often signalled by a brief fade-out and is equivalent to the curtain coming down during a play, is strikingly noticeable. There is a drastic shift in energy and, most importantly, in pacing, as the Hero finally enters the Special World.

The purpose of this period of adjustment to the Special World is testing the first phase of Act Two. The Hero is put through a series of trials and ordeals that are intended to prepare them for the greatest challenges ahead. These tests, meant to train the Hero and subtly inform them on how to deal with the unfamiliar situation, are often difficult, but they do not have the life-threatening connotation that characterizes the final ordeal. Normally the Hero takes this time to understand and identify who their allies or potential enemies will be.

In the movie Hunger Games , when Katniss Everdeen enters the Special World, in this case Capitol City, she undergoes a series of tests before entering the Arena, where she will unavoidably have to battle death. She has to meet the other participants, give interviews, prove her skills in front of the committee charged to give her a vote. These tasks are disguised as preparations and evaluations for her entering the Games, but from a narrative point of view, they are meant to sharpen her understanding of her strengths and weaknesses, of what the intricate structure of this reality actually is, of who she can or cannot trust, and how to use to her own advantage the inner workings of the environment.

From this moment on, during the so-called Approach, the Hero prepares for the apogee of Act Two: The Ordeal. This is ultimate challenge that they have been bracing to face all along. The Ordeal is the final showdown between the Hero and their enemy, the Shadow; it is aimed to lead the Hero to confront, not only outside forces, but their own inner demons. It is the battle the tale is based on, and the common factor in all its adaptations is that the Hero has to encounter Death, whether it be literal, metaphorical or both. They need to come to terms with the ultimate demise of their old self, so that they can be reborn as an improved and wiser version.

After surviving the battle, the Hero and the Allies enter the last stage of Act Two, the Reward, which usually consists of a celebration. The evil has been slain, the Hero has conquered death and triumphed and both the protagonists and the audience need a loosening of the tensions amassed during the trials. The Reward, however, can also be comprised of the moment the Hero retrieves a price, a valuable item that, most of the time, is held in the hands of the now-defeated Shadow. This boon can be physical as a treasure or a person who needed to be rescued, but it can also be metaphorical, as a prized lesson the Hero is required to assimilate.

The first phase of Act Three, 'The Road Back', is a fundamental threshold, as it marks the return to the Ordinary World, the setting the Hero used to consider familiar and safe. The experiences the Hero lived during the journey, however, have fundamentally changed them to their core, as their understanding of reality has now exponentially grown in width. This different and more nuanced version of the Hero shows its true colours during The Resurrection, as they deal with the final steps of rebirth and purification, re-aligning their new enriched self with the person they were when the story begun.

The final step, 'The Return with The Elixir', or denouement, is the moment where all the knots of the story are untied or come undone, as everything gets solved in order to restore a sense of balance. It can mainly be presented in two ways; in the closed or circular ending, the Hero seems content with returning back in the Ordinary World, sharing their new-found knowledge with everyone else, and matter-of-factly closing the circle of the narration as they return to the beginning of the First Act. The open-ended form, instead, leaves the audience with some ambiguities and unresolved tensions, or, more drastically, with a final crucial question. In this ending, the storytelling goes on after the story is over, as it requires the audience to actively wonder about what the real conclusion might have been.

An extreme example of an open ending, which leaves the audience not only to question what could have happened next but also to re-evaluate the entire point of view of the story, is the conclusion of the movie Shutter Island , by Martin Scorsese. In the final minutes, after numerous tribulations, the main character, who the audience believes at this point to be clinically insane, poses a staggering question that in just a few seconds can possibly subvert the interpretation of the entire story. The audience has no choice but to ponder what the real truth is, entirely on their own.

The Hero’s journey evidently defines, at least to an elemental level, the basis of most of the narrative structure of human-made stories. The psychological component of this path and these archetypes are fundamental to understanding how humanity has collectively come to define such specific rules and stages of this journey. It can be said that the Hero’s journey is none other than the projection of human perception of life as a series of steps that lead to a continuous cycle of rebirth. The Hero’s courage and fortitude, along with their more flawed human traits, is an emblem of people’s will to conquer their own fears and, ultimately, death. It is also crucial to underline that each archetype is not necessarily a single character playing the same role in the entire story, as they represent nothing more than the various faces of humans’ personality. A Hero can as easily become a Shadow, an Ally can give advice and temporarily take the mantle of a Mentor, and a Shadow can be the Hero of their own story. The shifting adapting nature of these Archetypes renders them comparable to stage masks that actors wear during a performance. They are definite and primal roles, but as they merely represent all sides of human nature. They can, in every form of narration, be interchangeable.

Bibliographical sources

Campbell, J. (1949) The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Kindle Version). Retrieved from Amazon.it

Schanzer, E. ; Vitolo, A. (1977) Gli Archetipi dell'Inconscio Collettivo. (C. G. Jung, Trans.) . Turin: Editore Boringhieri S.p.a.

Vogler, C. (2007) The Writer's journey: mythical structure for writers (Third Edition) . Los Angeles: Michael Wiese Productions.

Visual Sources

Antiope Group (The), Hydria with the chariot of Achilles dragging the corpse of Hector, 510 - 520 B.C.

https://bit.ly/3LNptIg

Christopher Vogler. Schematic illustration. Retrieved from The Writer's journey: mythical structure for writers (Third Edition).

Johnson, R.(2017). Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi [Photo] https://bit.ly/3DTvxML

Lucas, G. (1977). Star Wars: Episode IV - a New Hope [Photo] Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3KonMk5

Ross, G. (2012). Hunger Games. [Photo] https://bit.ly/3KFBP5j

Scorsese, M. (2010). Shutter Island . [Photo] Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3JodP54

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Elena Maiolini

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The Hero’s Journey: 12 Steps That Make Up the Universal Structure of Great Stories

by David Safford | 0 comments

At some in your writer's life, you've probably come across the term Hero's Journey. Maybe you've even studied this guide for storytelling and applied it to your own books—and yet, something about your own application felt off. You wanted to learn more, but didn't know where to start.

Maybe you needed a resource that would simplify the hero's journey steps and all the other major details instead of complicate them.

The Hero's Journey is as old as humanity itself. And through history, this single story form has emerged over and over again. People from all cultures have seemed to favor its structure, and its familiar types of characters (archetypal hero, anyone?), symbols, relationships, and steps.

If you want to build or strengthen your writing career and win a following of many happy readers, you want this particular tool in your writer's toolbox.

Let's dive in.

Need help applying The Hero's Journey to your story outline and manuscript? Download this free Hero's Journey worksheet now!

Why I Love the Hero's Journey (And You Will, Too)

Like many, I grew up loving Star Wars. I especially loved the music and bought the soundtracks at some point in middle school. When my parents weren't home and I had the house all to myself, I'd slip one of the CDs into my stereo, crank the volume up, and blast the London Symphony Orchestra. I even pretended I was conducting the violins and timpani myself.

I know it's nerdy to admit. But we love what we love, and I love the music of great movies.

In a way, the Hero's Journey is like a soundtrack. It follows familiar beats and obeys age-old principles of human emotion. We can't necessarily explain why a piece of music is so beautiful, but we can explain what it does and simply acknowledge that most people like it.

As I've come to understand Joseph Campbell's groundbreaking monomyth theory, commonly known as the Hero's Journey, I've fallen deeper and deeper in love with it.

But it's important to make sure you know what it is, and what it isn't.

The Hero's Journey isn't a formula to simply follow, plugging in hackneyed characters into cliched situations.

It's not “selling out” and giving up your artistic integrity

The Hero's Journey is a set of steps, scenes, character types, symbols, and themes that tend to recur in stories regardless of culture or time period. Within these archetypes are nearly infinite variations and unique perspectives that are impacted by culture and period, reflecting wonderful traits of the authors and audiences.

Also, the Hero's Journey is a process that your reader expects your story to follow, whether they know it or not. This archetype is hard-wired into our D.N.A. Let's look at how to use it to make your own stories stronger.

How to Use This Hero's Journey Post

In the beginning, there were stories. These stories were told by mothers, soldiers, and performers. They were inscribed on the walls of caves, into tablets of stone, and on the first sheets of papyrus.

This is how the Hero's Journey was born.

In this post, I'll walk you through the Hero's Journey twelve steps, and teach you how to apply them into your story. I'll also share additional resources to teach you some other Hero's Journey essentials, like character archetypes, symbols, and themes. By the end of this post, you'll be able to easily apply the Hero's Journey to your story with confidence.

And don't skip out on the practice exercise at the end of the post! This will help you start to carve out the Hero's Journey for your story with a practical fifteen minute exercise—the best way to really retain how the Hero's Journey works is to apply it.

Table of Contents: The Hero's Journey Guide

What is the Hero's Journey?

Why the Hero's Journey will make you a better writer

The Twelve-Step Hero's Journey Structure

• The Ordinary World
• The Call to Adventure
• The Refusal of the Call
• Meeting the Mentor
• Crossing the Threshold
• Trials, Allies, and Enemies
• The Approach
• The Road Back
• The Resurrection
• Return With the Elixir

5 Essential Hero's Journey Scenes

A Guide to Structuring Your Hero's Journey

Bonus! Additional Hero's Journey Resources

• 5 Character Archetypes
• 5 Hero's Journey Symbols
• 5 Hero's Journey Themes

What Is the Hero's Journey?

The Hero's Journey is the timeless combination of characters, events, symbols, and relationships frequently structured as a sequence of twelve steps. It is a storytelling structure that anyone can study and utilize to tell a story that readers will love.

First identified and defined by Joseph Campbell, the Hero's Journey was theorizied in The Hero With a Thousand Faces . Today, it has been researched and taught by great minds, some including Carl Jung and Christopher Vogler (author of The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers ).

This research has given us lengthy and helpful lists of archetypes , or story elements that tend to recur in stories from any culture at any time.

And while some archetypes are unique to a genre, they are still consistent within those genres. For example, a horror story from Japan will still contain many of the same archetypes as a horror story from Ireland. There will certainly be notable differences in how these archetypes are depicted, but the tropes will still appear.

That's the power of the Hero's Journey. It is the skeleton key of storytelling that you can use to unlock the solution to almost any writing problem you are confronted with.

Why the Monomyth Will Make You a Better Writer

The Hero's Journey is the single most powerful tool at your disposal as a writer.

But it isn't a “rule,” so to speak. It's also not a to-do list.

If anything, the Hero's Journey is diagnostic, not prescriptive. In other words, it describes a story that works, but doesn't necessarily tell you what to do.

But the reason you should use the Hero's Journey isn't because it's a great trick or tool. You should use the Hero's Journey because it is based on thousands of years of human storytelling.

It provides a way to connect with readers from all different walks of life.

This is why stories about fantastical creatures from imaginary worlds can forge deep emotional connections with audiences. Hollywood knows this, and its best studios take advantage. As an example, The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien, contains mythical creatures like elves and hobbits. Yet it is Frodo's heroic journey of sacrifice and courage that draws us to him like a magnet.

Learn how to easily apply the Hero's Journey 12 Steps to your books in this post. Tweet this

David Safford

You deserve a great book. That's why David Safford writes adventure stories that you won't be able to put down. Read his latest story at his website. David is a Language Arts teacher, novelist, blogger, hiker, Legend of Zelda fanatic, puzzle-doer, husband, and father of two awesome children.

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Last updated on Aug 10, 2023

The Hero's Journey: 12 Steps to a Classic Story Structure

The Hero's Journey is a timeless story structure which follows a protagonist on an unforeseen quest, where they face challenges, gain insights, and return home transformed. From Theseus and the Minotaur to The Lion King , so many narratives follow this pattern that it’s become ingrained into our cultural DNA. 

In this post, we'll show you how to make this classic plot structure work for you — and if you’re pressed for time, download our cheat sheet below for everything you need to know.

FREE RESOURCE

Hero's Journey Template

Plot your character's journey with our step-by-step template.

What is the Hero’s Journey?

The Hero's Journey, also known as the monomyth, is a story structure where a hero goes on a quest or adventure to achieve a goal, and has to overcome obstacles and fears, before ultimately returning home transformed.

This narrative arc has been present in various forms across cultures for centuries, if not longer, but gained popularity through Joseph Campbell's mythology book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces . While Campbell identified 17 story beats in his monomyth definition, this post will concentrate on a 12-step framework popularized in 2007 by screenwriter Christopher Vogler in his book The Writer’s Journey .

The 12 Steps of the Hero’s Journey

The Hero's Journey is a model for both plot points and character development : as the Hero traverses the world, they'll undergo inner and outer transformation at each stage of the journey. The 12 steps of the hero's journey are: 

• The Ordinary World. We meet our hero.
• Call to Adventure. Will they meet the challenge?
• Refusal of the Call. They resist the adventure.
• Meeting the Mentor. A teacher arrives.
• Crossing the First Threshold. The hero leaves their comfort zone.
• Tests, Allies, Enemies. Making friends and facing roadblocks.
• Approach to the Inmost Cave. Getting closer to our goal.
• Ordeal. The hero’s biggest test yet!
• Reward (Seizing the Sword). Light at the end of the tunnel
• The Road Back. We aren’t safe yet.
• Resurrection. The final hurdle is reached.
• Return with the Elixir. The hero heads home, triumphant.

Believe it or not, this story structure also applies across mediums and genres (and also works when your protagonist is an anti-hero! ). Let's dive into it.

1. Ordinary World

In which we meet our Hero.

The journey has yet to start. Before our Hero discovers a strange new world, we must first understand the status quo: their ordinary, mundane reality.

It’s up to this opening leg to set the stage, introducing the Hero to readers. Importantly, it lets readers identify with the Hero as a “normal” person in a “normal” setting, before the journey begins.

2. Call to Adventure

In which an adventure starts.

The call to adventure is all about booting the Hero out of their comfort zone. In this stage, they are generally confronted with a problem or challenge they can't ignore. This catalyst can take many forms, as Campbell points out in Hero with a Thousand Faces . The Hero can, for instance:

• Decide to go forth of their own volition;
• Theseus upon arriving in Athens.
• Be sent abroad by a benign or malignant agent;
• Odysseus setting off on his ship in The Odyssey .
• Stumble upon the adventure as a result of a mere blunder;
• Dorothy when she’s swept up in a tornado in The Wizard of Oz .
• Be casually strolling when some passing phenomenon catches the wandering eye and lures one away from the frequented paths of man.
• Elliot in E.T. upon discovering a lost alien in the tool shed.

The stakes of the adventure and the Hero's goals become clear. The only question: will he rise to the challenge?

3. Refusal of the Call

In which the Hero digs in their feet.

Great, so the Hero’s received their summons. Now they’re all set to be whisked off to defeat evil, right?

Not so fast. The Hero might first refuse the call to action. It’s risky and there are perils — like spiders, trolls, or perhaps a creepy uncle waiting back at Pride Rock . It’s enough to give anyone pause.

In Star Wars , for instance, Luke Skywalker initially refuses to join Obi-Wan on his mission to rescue the princess. It’s only when he discovers that his aunt and uncle have been killed by stormtroopers that he changes his mind.

4. Meeting the Mentor

In which the Hero acquires a personal trainer.

The Hero's decided to go on the adventure — but they’re not ready to spread their wings yet. They're much too inexperienced at this point and we don't want them to do a fabulous belly-flop off the cliff.

Enter the mentor: someone who helps the Hero, so that they don't make a total fool of themselves (or get themselves killed). The mentor provides practical training, profound wisdom, a kick up the posterior, or something abstract like grit and self-confidence.

Wise old wizards seem to like being mentors. But mentors take many forms, from witches to hermits and suburban karate instructors. They might literally give weapons to prepare for the trials ahead, like Q in the James Bond series. Or perhaps the mentor is an object, such as a map. In all cases, they prepare the Hero for the next step.

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5. Crossing the First Threshold

In which the Hero enters the other world in earnest.

Now the Hero is ready — and committed — to the journey. This marks the end of the Departure stage and is when the adventure really kicks into the next gear. As Vogler writes: “This is the moment that the balloon goes up, the ship sails, the romance begins, the wagon gets rolling.”

From this point on, there’s no turning back.

Like our Hero, you should think of this stage as a checkpoint for your story. Pause and re-assess your bearings before you continue into unfamiliar territory. Have you:

• Launched the central conflict? If not, here’s a post on types of conflict to help you out.
• Established the theme of your book? If not, check out this post that’s all about creating theme and motifs .
• Made headway into your character development? If not, this character profile template may be useful:

Reedsy’s Character Profile Template

A story is only as strong as its characters. Fill this out to develop yours.

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

In which the Hero faces new challenges and gets a squad.

When we step into the Special World, we notice a definite shift. The Hero might be discombobulated by this unfamiliar reality and its new rules. This is generally one of the longest stages in the story , as our protagonist gets to grips with this new world.

This makes a prime hunting ground for the series of tests to pass! Luckily, there are many ways for the Hero to get into trouble:

• In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle , Spencer, Bethany, “Fridge,” and Martha get off to a bad start when they bump into a herd of bloodthirsty hippos.
• In his first few months at Hogwarts, Harry Potter manages to fight a troll, almost fall from a broomstick and die, and get horribly lost in the Forbidden Forest.
• Marlin and Dory encounter three “reformed” sharks, get shocked by jellyfish, and are swallowed by a blue whale en route to finding Nemo.

This stage often expands the cast of characters. Once the protagonist is in the Special World, he will meet allies and enemies — or foes that turn out to be friends and vice versa. He will learn a new set of rules from them. Saloons and seedy bars are popular places for these transactions, as Vogler points out (so long as the Hero survives them).

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave

In which the Hero gets closer to his goal.

This isn’t a physical cave. Instead, the “inmost cave” refers to the most dangerous spot in the other realm — whether that’s the villain’s chambers, the lair of the fearsome dragon, or the Death Star. Almost always, it is where the ultimate goal of the quest is located.

Note that the protagonist hasn’t entered the Inmost Cave just yet. This stage is all about the approach to it. It covers all the prep work that's needed in order to defeat the villain.

In which the Hero faces his biggest test of all thus far.

Of all the tests the Hero has faced, none have made them hit rock bottom — until now. Vogler describes this phase as a “black moment.” Campbell refers to it as the “belly of the whale.” Both indicate some grim news for the Hero.

The protagonist must now confront their greatest fear. If they survive it, they will emerge transformed. This is a critical moment in the story, as Vogler explains that it will “inform every decision that the Hero makes from this point forward.”

The Ordeal is sometimes not the climax of the story. There’s more to come. But you can think of it as the main event of the second act — the one in which the Hero actually earns the title of “Hero.”

9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)

In which the Hero sees light at the end of the tunnel.

Our Hero’s been through a lot. However, the fruits of their labor are now at hand — if they can just reach out and grab them! The “reward” is the object or knowledge the Hero has fought throughout the entire journey to hold.

Once the protagonist has it in their possession, it generally has greater ramifications for the story. Vogler offers a few examples of it in action:

• Luke rescues Princess Leia and captures the plans of the Death Star — keys to defeating Darth Vader.
• Dorothy escapes from the Wicked Witch’s castle with the broomstick and the ruby slippers — keys to getting back home.

10. The Road Back

In which the light at the end of the tunnel might be a little further than the Hero thought.

The story's not over just yet, as this phase marks the beginning of Act Three. Now that he's seized the reward, the Hero tries to return to the Ordinary World, but more dangers (inconveniently) arise on the road back from the Inmost Cave.

More precisely, the Hero must deal with the consequences and aftermath of the previous act: the dragon, enraged by the Hero who’s just stolen a treasure from under his nose, starts the hunt. Or perhaps the opposing army gathers to pursue the Hero across a crowded battlefield. All further obstacles for the Hero, who must face them down before they can return home.

11. Resurrection

In which the last test is met.

Here is the true climax of the story. Everything that happened prior to this stage culminates in a crowning test for the Hero, as the Dark Side gets one last chance to triumph over the Hero.

Vogler refers to this as a “final exam” for the Hero — they must be “tested once more to see if they have really learned the lessons of the Ordeal.” It’s in this Final Battle that the protagonist goes through one more “resurrection.” As a result, this is where you’ll get most of your miraculous near-death escapes, à la James Bond's dashing deliverances. If the Hero survives, they can start looking forward to a sweet ending.

12. Return with the Elixir

In which our Hero has a triumphant homecoming.

Finally, the Hero gets to return home. However, they go back a different person than when they started out: they’ve grown and matured as a result of the journey they’ve taken.

But we’ve got to see them bring home the bacon, right? That’s why the protagonist must return with the “Elixir,” or the prize won during the journey, whether that’s an object or knowledge and insight gained.

Of course, it’s possible for a story to end on an Elixir-less note — but then the Hero would be doomed to repeat the entire adventure.

Examples of The Hero’s Journey in Action

To better understand this story template beyond the typical sword-and-sorcery genre, let's analyze three examples, from both screenplay and literature, and examine how they implement each of the twelve steps. 

The 1976 film Rocky is acclaimed as one of the most iconic sports films because of Stallone’s performance and the heroic journey his character embarks on.

• Ordinary World. Rocky Balboa is a mediocre boxer and loan collector — just doing his best to live day-to-day in a poor part of Philadelphia.
• Call to Adventure. Heavyweight champ Apollo Creed decides to make a big fight interesting by giving a no-name loser a chance to challenge him. That loser: Rocky Balboa.
• Refusal of the Call. Rocky says, “Thanks, but no thanks,” given that he has no trainer and is incredibly out of shape.
• Meeting the Mentor. In steps former boxer Mickey “Mighty Mick” Goldmill, who sees potential in Rocky and starts training him physically and mentally for the fight.
• Crossing the First Threshold. Rocky crosses the threshold of no return when he accepts the fight on live TV, and 一 in parallel 一 when he crosses the threshold into his love interest Adrian’s house and asks her out on a date.
• Tests, Allies, Enemies. Rocky continues to try and win Adrian over and maintains a dubious friendship with her brother, Paulie, who provides him with raw meat to train with.
• Approach to the Inmost Cave. The Inmost Cave in Rocky is Rocky’s own mind. He fears that he’ll never amount to anything — something that he reveals when he butts heads with his trainer, Mickey, in his apartment.
• Ordeal. The start of the training montage marks the beginning of Rocky’s Ordeal. He pushes through it until he glimpses hope ahead while running up the museum steps.
• Reward (Seizing the Sword). Rocky's reward is the restoration of his self-belief, as he recognizes he can try to “go the distance” with Apollo Creed and prove he's more than "just another bum from the neighborhood."
• The Road Back. On New Year's Day, the fight takes place. Rocky capitalizes on Creed's overconfidence to start strong, yet Apollo makes a comeback, resulting in a balanced match.
• Resurrection. The fight inflicts multiple injuries and pushes both men to the brink of exhaustion, with Rocky being knocked down numerous times. But he consistently rises to his feet, enduring through 15 grueling rounds.
• Return with the Elixir. Rocky loses the fight — but it doesn’t matter. He’s won back his confidence and he’s got Adrian, who tells him that she loves him.

Moving outside of the ring, let’s see how this story structure holds on a completely different planet and with a character in complete isolation. 

The Martian 

In Andy Weir’s self-published bestseller (better known for its big screen adaptation) we follow astronaut Mark Watney as he endures the challenges of surviving on Mars and working out a way to get back home.

• The Ordinary World. Botanist Mark and other astronauts are on a mission on Mars to study the planet and gather samples. They live harmoniously in a structure known as "the Hab.”
• Call to Adventure. The mission is scrapped due to a violent dust storm. As they rush to launch, Mark is flung out of sight and the team believes him to be dead. He is, however, very much alive — stranded on Mars with no way of communicating with anyone back home.
• Refusal of the Call. With limited supplies and grim odds of survival, Mark concludes that he will likely perish on the desolate planet.
• Meeting the Mentor. Thanks to his resourcefulness and scientific knowledge he starts to figure out how to survive until the next Mars mission arrives.
• Crossing the First Threshold. Mark crosses the mental threshold of even trying to survive 一 he successfully creates a greenhouse to cultivate a potato crop, creating a food supply that will last long enough.
• Tests, Allies, Enemies. Loneliness and other difficulties test his spirit, pushing him to establish contact with Earth and the people at NASA, who devise a plan to help.  
• Approach to the Inmost Cave. Mark faces starvation once again after an explosion destroys his potato crop.
• Ordeal. A NASA rocket destined to deliver supplies to Mark disintegrates after liftoff and all hope seems lost.
• Reward (Seizing the Sword). Mark’s efforts to survive are rewarded with a new possibility to leave the planet. His team 一 now aware that he’s alive 一 defies orders from NASA and heads back to Mars to rescue their comrade.
• The Road Back. Executing the new plan is immensely difficult 一 Mark has to travel far to locate the spaceship for his escape, and almost dies along the way.
• Resurrection. Mark is unable to get close enough to his teammates' ship but finds a way to propel himself in empty space towards them, and gets aboard safely.
• Return with the Elixir. Now a survival instructor for aspiring astronauts, Mark teaches students that space is indifferent and that survival hinges on solving one problem after another, as well as the importance of other people’s help.

Coming back to Earth, let’s now examine a heroine’s journey through the wilderness of the Pacific Crest Trail and her… humanity. 

The memoir Wild narrates the three-month-long hiking adventure of Cheryl Strayed across the Pacific coast, as she grapples with her turbulent past and rediscovers her inner strength.

• The Ordinary World. Cheryl shares her strong bond with her mother who was her strength during a tough childhood with an abusive father.
• Call to Adventure. As her mother succumbs to lung cancer, Cheryl faces the heart-wrenching reality to confront life's challenges on her own.
• Refusal of the Call. Cheryl spirals down into a destructive path of substance abuse and infidelity, which leads to hit rock bottom with a divorce and unwanted pregnancy. 
• Meeting the Mentor. Her best friend Lisa supports her during her darkest time. One day she notices the Pacific Trail guidebook, which gives her hope to find her way back to her inner strength.
• Crossing the First Threshold. She quits her job, sells her belongings, and visits her mother’s grave before traveling to Mojave, where the trek begins.
• Tests, Allies, Enemies. Cheryl is tested by her heavy bag, blisters, rattlesnakes, and exhaustion, but many strangers help her along the trail with a warm meal or hiking tips. 
• Approach to the Inmost Cave. As Cheryl goes through particularly tough and snowy parts of the trail her emotional baggage starts to catch up with her.  
• Ordeal. She inadvertently drops one of her shoes off a cliff, and the incident unearths the helplessness she's been evading since her mother's passing.
• Reward (Seizing the Sword). Cheryl soldiers on, trekking an impressive 50 miles in duct-taped sandals before finally securing a new pair of shoes. This small victory amplifies her self-confidence.
• The Road Back. On the last stretch, she battles thirst, sketchy hunters, and a storm, but more importantly, she revisits her most poignant and painful memories.
• Resurrection. Cheryl forgives herself for damaging her marriage and her sense of worth, owning up to her mistakes. A pivotal moment happens at Crater Lake, where she lets go of her frustration at her mother for passing away.
• Return with the Elixir. Cheryl reaches the Bridge of the Gods and completes the trail. She has found her inner strength and determination for life's next steps.

There are countless other stories that could align with this template, but it's not always the perfect fit. So, let's look into when authors should consider it or not.

When should writers use The Hero’s Journey?

The Hero’s Journey is just one way to outline a novel and dissect a plot. For more longstanding theories on the topic, you can go this way to read about the ever-popular Three-Act Structure or here to discover Dan Harmon's Story Circle and three more prevalent structures .

So when is it best to use the Hero’s Journey? There are a couple of circumstances which might make this a good choice.

When you need more specific story guidance than simple structures can offer

Simply put, the Hero’s Journey structure is far more detailed and closely defined than other story structure theories. If you want a fairly specific framework for your work than a thee-act structure, the Hero’s Journey can be a great place to start.

Of course, rules are made to be broken . There’s plenty of room to play within the confines of the Hero’s Journey, despite it appearing fairly prescriptive at first glance. Do you want to experiment with an abbreviated “Resurrection” stage, as J.K. Rowling did in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? Are you more interested in exploring the journey of an anti-hero? It’s all possible.

Once you understand the basics of this universal story structure, you can use and bend it in ways that disrupt reader expectations.

Need more help developing your book? Try this template on for size:

Get our Book Development Template

Use this template to go from a vague idea to a solid plan for a first draft.

When your focus is on a single protagonist

No matter how sprawling or epic the world you’re writing is, if your story is, at its core, focused on a single character’s journey, then this is a good story structure for you. It’s kind of in the name! If you’re dealing with an entire ensemble, the Hero’s Journey may not give you the scope to explore all of your characters’ plots and subplot — a broader three-act structure may give you more freedom to weave a greater number story threads. ​​

Which story structure is right for you?

Take this quiz and we'll match your story to a structure in minutes!

Whether you're a reader or writer, we hope our guide has helped you understand this universal story arc. Want to know more about story structure? We explain 6 more in our guide — read on!

6 responses

PJ Reece says:

25/07/2018 – 19:41

Nice vid, good intro to story structure. Typically, though, the 'hero's journey' misses the all-important point of the Act II crisis. There, where the hero faces his/her/its existential crisis, they must DIE. The old character is largely destroyed -- which is the absolute pre-condition to 'waking up' to what must be done. It's not more clever thinking; it's not thinking at all. Its SEEING. So many writing texts miss this point. It's tantamount to a religions experience, and nobody grows up without it. STORY STRUCTURE TO DIE FOR examines this dramatic necessity.

↪️ C.T. Cheek replied:

13/11/2019 – 21:01

Okay, but wouldn't the Act II crisis find itself in the Ordeal? The Hero is tested and arguably looses his/her/its past-self for the new one. Typically, the Hero is not fully "reborn" until the Resurrection, in which they defeat the hypothetical dragon and overcome the conflict of the story. It's kind of this process of rebirth beginning in the earlier sections of the Hero's Journey and ending in the Resurrection and affirmed in the Return with the Elixir.

Lexi Mize says:

25/07/2018 – 22:33

Great article. Odd how one can take nearly every story and somewhat plug it into such a pattern.

Bailey Koch says:

11/06/2019 – 02:16

This was totally lit fam!!!!

↪️ Bailey Koch replied:

11/09/2019 – 03:46

where is my dad?

Frank says:

12/04/2020 – 12:40

Great article, thanks! :) But Vogler didn't expand Campbell's theory. Campbell had seventeen stages, not twelve.

Comments are currently closed.

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Preparing for the Journey: An Introduction to the Hero Myth

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Through class discussion and reading picture books, students explore the literary concept of a hero and the elements of a hero's journey.  Unsing an online tool, students will identify the central elements of a hero's journey in a simple text. After analyzing the picture books and presenting their findings to the class, students are encouraged to embark on the study of a more substantial text.

Featured Resources

• The Hero's Journey : This interactive tool gives students the information they need to take a closer look at an epic hero or create a hero of their own.

From Theory to Practice

In With Rigor For All: Teaching the Classics to Contemporary Students , Carol Jago notes that one of the roadblocks to cultivating genuine student response to challenging texts is students' lack of knowledge about story structure, and that teachers' "withholding information about how a story works may make it impossible for some students to have any response at all" (39). Jago goes on to observe that while some story structures, such as the pattern of the hero's journey, "may be so familiar to an English teacher that they hardly bear commenting on, this is not the case for many high school readers" and that "it is unrealistic to assume that ... they will figure out the structure themselves" (39-40). This lesson prepares students for a challenging text by providing multiple exposures to activities and texts that promote an understanding of the hero's journey structure. Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
• 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.

Materials and Technology

• Internet-connected computers for each group
• Copies of books from the Introducing the Hero's Journey through Picture Books list

Preparation

• Though this lesson can stand alone as a basic introduction to the hero's journey, it is designed as preparation for reading or viewing a more substantial work. Select the hero's journey text that students will eventually read or view and keep it in mind as students complete this introductory activity.
• Obtain copies of books from the Introducing the Hero's Journey through Picture Books list.
• Test The Hero's Journey tool and familiarize yourself with its content and layout. Ensure that you have the proper Flash plug-ins installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page .
• Bookmark The Hero's Journey tool and reserve computers for student use in the necessary sessions.

Student Objectives

Students will:

• gain exposure to the central elements of the hero's journey monomyth .
• apply the elements of the hero's journey to a simple text.
• summarize the elements of the hero's journey in preparation for reading a more advanced text.

Session One

• Harry Potter
• Lord of the Rings
• Allow for brief discussion within groups before letting students share their ideas.
• Encourage students as they make connections (such as the presence of a central character who takes a journey, a series of adventures, magical elements, and so forth), but do not feel compelled to start labeling or guiding observations too directly at this point.
• Ask students to continue thinking about those connections as they read a picture book within their groups.
• Give each group a copy of one of the books from the Introducing the Hero's Journey through Picture Books list.
• Have each group read the assigned book and discuss it briefly, noting any connections to the conversation at the beginning of the session.
• Collect the picture books for use in the next session.

Session Two

• Have groups from the previous session gather around a computer. Return the book they read previously to them for use during this session.
• Direct students to The Hero's Journey tool and have them enter a name for their group and the title of their picture book.
• Read through the introductory text with students and inform them that they will be applying the information from the tool to their book.
• Briefly demonstrate how the tool works and give students time to apply the tool to their book.
• Point out that not every book will contain all the elements, but ask students to note those absences in the tool rather than simply leaving the elements blank. Also ask students to take note of any ways they see their story deviating from the pattern in the tool.
• Give students time to complete the tool for their book. Remind them that printing is the only way to save their work. Collect a printout for each group at the end of the session.

Session Three

• Explain to students that they will be using the printouts from The Hero's Journey tool to present their picture books as examples of hero's journey.
• Give groups a few minutes to meet before they make their brief, informal presentation.
• Remind students to listen attentively as the groups present their books as hero's journeys.
• Close the session by clarifying the elements of the hero's journey and previewing the more substantial hero's journey the class will be studying next.
• Consider using the ReadWriteThink lesson plan Heroes Are Made of This: Studying the Character of Heroes to enhance the study of the literary hero.
• Have student groups use the Profile Publisher to create a profile for a hero at the various stages of his or her journey.
• Monomyth : Part of UC Berkeley's History Through Literature Project, this site provides another visual representation of the hero's journey as well as application and activities for three world hero myths.
• The Monomyth Cycle : This site uses images from popular film to illustrate the elements of the hero's journey.
• Heroes of History : This site provides an overview of the hero's journey monomyth, as well as examples from Norse, Celtic, Greek, and American culture.
• Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason : A follow-up Website to the work Bill Moyers did with Joseph Campbell, this page provides text, audio, and video perspectives on the power of myths.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Review groups’ analyses of the picture books for clarity and depth of understanding.
• At the end of the last session, further assess students’ understanding by asking each student to put the elements of the hero’s journey into their own words.
• Calendar Activities
• Student Interactives

Students compare the film versions of The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's novels. Students then imagine how a scene in a current novel that they are reading would be filmed.

Students can use this tool to learn about the elements of the hero's journey, analyze a text that follows the hero's journey pattern, or start creating a hero story of their own.

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Understanding the hero’s journey: an interpretation of joseph campbell’s monomyth.

Joseph Campbell was a renowned American mythologist, writer, and lecturer who extensively studied comparative mythology and religion. His comprehensive study led him to formulate the monomyth also known as the Hero’s Journey. In his seminal work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell defines the monomyth or Hero’s Journey and indicates its presence in countless works of literature, movies, and even popular culture. Campbell explains that the Hero’s Journey is a universal human experience. It is a mythic quest that reflects the psychological and spiritual journey of a person’s transformation.

If you do get a chance to read The Hero with a Thousand Faces , you’ll get an in-depth exploration of each element of the Hero’s Journey followed by example after example. The downside to this is it’s incredibly easy to get lost in the weeds and dense terminology can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you’re like me, you may want a simplified look at the Hero’s Journey. The Hero's Journey consists of three main stages: departure, initiation, and return. Each of these stages is able to be broken down into further substages. Ultimately, a hero must pass through each stage to complete his journey.

Departure is the first stage of the Hero's Journey and it’s a bit self-explanatory. At this stage the hero leaves their ordinary world and embarks on their quest. If following a three-act structure, this will occur in act one. The first substage is the “ call to adventure. ” The call to adventure is when the hero receives a call to action to leave their status quo. This call may come from an external source, such as a messenger or an event, or it may come from an internal source such as a dream or vision. Often the hero will refuse this call due to fear, doubt, or a sense of inadequacy. However, the character must overcome this refusal and set out on their journey.

Related: Three-Act Structure Explained

Next comes “ crossing the threshold ,” where the hero formally crosses the boundary from their ordinary world into an unknown world. This crossing can be physical, such as traveling to a new place, or symbolic, such as having a dream or a vision. Either way crossing the threshold represents the hero's willingness to leave their familiar environment and face whatever challenges await.

The final sub-stage is “ meeting a helper or mentor. ” Once the hero has left their ordinary world, the Hero’s Journey dictates that the hero will cross paths with a guide or mentor who will assist them on their quest. This mentor/helper may be a wise elder, a magical creature, or a spiritual teacher who provides the hero with advice, tools, and support. A key role of the mentor is to help the hero overcome their internal doubts and fears. They may give the hero the final preparations needed to face the challenges ahead.

The second stage of the Hero's Journey is the initiation. This is the longest stage of the Hero’s Journey and will force your hero to face trials, tests, and transformations. These challenges will lead the hero to new levels of awareness and understanding. It’s important to make each trial or test harder than the one before to maintain tension and ensure the hero continues to grow. This series of rising action can be considered the first substage of the initiation, “ the road of trials. ” The road of trials is where the hero’s skills, courage, and character is put to the test. These events can be physical, such as battles or competitions, or psychological, such as facing inner demons or overcoming personal weaknesses.

A primary substage of the initiation is “ the abyss or ordeal .” Here, the hero faces their greatest challenge or crisis. This challenge is often a life-or-death situation or a symbolic death and rebirth experience. The hero at this stage must confront their fears, doubts, and limitations and undergo a profound transformation that will enable them to succeed in their quest. A great example of this can be found in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II when Harry “dies” and is subsequently “reborn” to defeat Voldemort once and for all.

The third substage is “ transformation .” In the closing of the initiation, the hero undergoes a fundamental change in their identity, values, or purpose. One way or another, the character is no longer who they were when their journey began. Like other stages in the Hero’s Journey this transformation can be expressed physically, such as gaining new powers or abilities, or it can happen on a spiritual level, such as achieving enlightenment or self-realization. Either way, the hero will emerge from the abyss as a renewed and transformed person.

Related: What is the Belly of the Whale? 

The final stage of the Hero's Journey is the return. This is where the hero returns to their ordinary world with all the knowledge, wisdom, or treasure they have gained along their journey. The first substage is “ the return threshold ,” where the hero formally crosses back into their ordinary world and must attempt to reintegrate into their old life. The hero upon their return may be met with resistance or disbelief from their peers, who may not understand the hero’s transformation.

The last sub-stage is “ mastery or freedom .” At this stage the hero uses their newfound knowledge or abilities to either achieve their goal and overcome their final obstacle. The hero may also use their wisdom to help others or to serve a higher purpose. It represents integration of the hero's inner and outer worlds, and their alignment with their true self.

More: Understanding the Unity of Opposites

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Hero’s Journey: 12 Steps, Examples, Use Cases

• Post author By Punit Thakkar
• Post date January 7, 2024

Once you’ve decided that you need to Outline your story before you start writing the screenplay, you will need to choose between the various storytelling structures out there. The three-act structure as a narrative breakdown can be applied to almost any story. But to further breakdown your story in beats, certain storytelling frameworks can be quite useful. One such framework is the Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell.

Who is Joseph Campbell?

Joseph Campbell (1904–1987) was an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer best known for his work in comparative mythology and his exploration of the hero’s journey. Campbell’s most influential work is the concept of the monomyth or the hero’s journey. This was the result of his examination of common patterns and themes found in the myths and legends of various cultures throughout history.

What is the Hero’s Journey?

In 1949, Campbell published his book “ The Hero with a Thousand Faces “. In this seminal work, he examined common patterns and themes found in the myths and legends of various cultures throughout history. The phrase “Hero’s Journey” suggests that myths and stories from different cultures often follow a similar narrative structure. The hero typically embarks on an adventure, faces challenges and trials, undergoes a transformation, and returns home changed. It was later popularized by screenwriter, Christopher Vogler, in his book “ The Writer’s Journey “. Vogler condensed the principles into a 12-step framework.

12 Steps of The Hero’s Journey

Let’s take a look at each of the 12 steps that you can use to outline your story. To illustrate the same, we’ll be using the application of this concept with a movie where the filmmaker was famously inspired by the Hero’s Journey template while writing his film ie. Star Wars (1977).

1. Ordinary World

The hero begins in their familiar environment, often characterized by routine and unawareness of the larger journey. This setting establishes the baseline for the hero’s growth.

Application : Luke Skywalker resides on the desert planet Tatooine, leading a mundane life as a farm boy.

2. Call to Adventure

An external event or internal desire disrupts the hero’s ordinary life, presenting an opportunity or challenge that sets the journey in motion. The call often introduces a quest or a significant change.

Application : Obi-Wan Kenobi invites Luke to join him in the quest to deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance.

3. Refusal of the Call

Faced with uncertainty, fear, or a sense of duty to the familiar world, the hero hesitates or rejects the call initially. This reluctance adds depth to the hero’s internal conflict.

Application : Luke hesitates to leave Tatooine, citing responsibilities and family ties.

4. Meeting the Mentor

A mentor figure appears, providing guidance, wisdom, or supernatural aid. The mentor equips the hero with the tools or knowledge necessary for the journey.

Application : Obi-Wan becomes Luke’s mentor, introducing him to the Force and encouraging his journey.

5. Crossing the Threshold

The hero decides to leave the ordinary world, venturing into the unknown or a special world. This crossing represents a commitment to change and growth.

Application : Luke, with Obi-Wan, departs Tatooine and enters the larger galaxy.

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

The hero encounters challenges, forms alliances with companions, and faces adversaries. These experiences shape the hero’s character and prepare them for more significant trials.

Application : Luke, Han Solo, and Princess Leia face various trials, forming alliances and encountering Imperial forces.

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave

The hero approaches a central challenge or a crucial location that holds the key to their quest. This stage builds anticipation and sets the stage for the ordeal.

Application : The Rebel Alliance plans to attack the Death Star, a critical mission.

The hero undergoes a severe trial, facing the most significant danger or fear. This moment tests the hero’s resolve and marks a pivotal point in the journey.

Application : Luke participates in the Battle of Yavin, aiming to destroy the Death Star amidst intense opposition.

Following the ordeal, the hero reaps a reward, gains new insight, or achieves success. This stage highlights the hero’s growth and the tangible or intangible benefits of the journey.

Application : Luke successfully destroys the Death Star, earning recognition and hero status.

10. The Road Back

The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world, often encountering new challenges or facing the consequences of their actions. This stage introduces the final hurdles.

Application : The Rebels regroup and plan their next moves after the Death Star’s destruction.

11. Resurrection

The hero faces a final, life-altering test, representing a symbolic death and rebirth. This transformative experience solidifies the hero’s evolution.

Application : Luke confronts Darth Vader and the Death Star’s destruction leads to a symbolic rebirth.

12. Return with the Elixir

The hero returns to the ordinary world, bringing back the elixir—a tangible or metaphorical boon gained during the journey. This stage showcases the hero’s ability to contribute positively to the ordinary world.

Application : Luke returns to Tatooine, having become a skilled pilot and a key figure in the Rebel Alliance.

As we saw, Star Wars follows the Hero’s Journey with Luke Skywalker as the protagonist. From his ordinary life on Tatooine to the battles against the Empire and the ultimate confrontation with Darth Vader, the film adheres to the monomyth structure.

Use Cases: Stories Tailored for Hero’s Journey

One of the common beliefs around this template is that it typically applies to fantasy and adventure genres. While those genres are more naturally suited, the Hero’s Journey is equally applicable to different kinds of movies. It is particularly useful for stories that fall within the following genres or themes:

Fantasy and Adventure

The Hero’s Journey is frequently employed in fantasy tales where characters embark on epic quests. Examples include “The Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

Coming-of-Age Stories

Many coming-of-age narratives use the Hero’s Journey to depict a character’s maturation and self-discovery. Films like “The Karate Kid” and “Stand by Me” exemplify this application.

Science Fiction Epics

Stories set in futuristic or otherworldly settings often utilize the Hero’s Journey. “Star Wars” and “The Matrix” showcase how this structure can be applied in the science fiction genre.

Mythology and Legends

The Hero’s Journey is deeply rooted in mythology and is thus well-suited for stories inspired by ancient myths and legends. Examples include adaptations of Greek myths or Arthurian legends.

Quest Narratives

Any story that involves a quest, whether it’s a literal journey or a metaphorical one, can benefit from the Hero’s Journey structure. “Indiana Jones” and “The Odyssey” are classic examples.

Superhero Origin Stories

Many superhero origin stories align with the Hero’s Journey as characters discover their powers, face adversaries, and undergo personal growth. Examples include “Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Black Panther.”

Historical and Period Dramas

Even in stories set in historical or period settings, the Hero’s Journey can be applied. Films like “Braveheart” and “Gladiator” showcase protagonists facing significant challenges and transformation.

Character-Driven Dramas

While traditionally associated with more fantastical genres, the Hero’s Journey can also be adapted for character-driven dramas. Movies like “Forrest Gump” and “The Pursuit of Happyness” demonstrate this versatility.

Let’s take a look at one such example using the poignant, “non-heroic” drama written by Greta Gerwig ie. Ladybird.

Ladybird – Hero’s Journey

1. The Ordinary World : Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson navigates her senior year in high school in Sacramento, California. Dissatisfied with her surroundings and yearning for something more, she grapples with the challenges of adolescence.

2. Call to Adventure : Lady Bird desires to escape Sacramento and attend college on the East Coast, envisioning it as the key to a more fulfilling life beyond her current circumstances.

3. Refusal of the Cal l: Lady Bird’s family faces financial struggles, and her dream of attending an expensive East Coast college seems unattainable. She initially grapples with the reality of her family’s limitations.

4. Meeting the Mentor : Sister Sarah Joan, Lady Bird’s school principal, becomes a mentor figure, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and offering guidance.

5. Crossing the Threshold : Lady Bird applies to colleges in New York, symbolizing her venture into a world beyond Sacramento and her family’s constraints.

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies : Lady Bird navigates friendships, romance, and conflicts with her family, forming alliances with friends like Julie and facing challenges that shape her character.

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave : Lady Bird’s relationships face challenges as she experiences heartbreak, and she confronts the reality of her family’s financial struggles.

8. Ordeal : Lady Bird’s relationship with her mother reaches a breaking point, leading to a confrontation that forces both to confront their feelings and expectations.

9. Reward : Lady Bird gains insight into her identity and aspirations, realizing the value of her family and the impact of her choices.

10. The Road Back : Lady Bird leaves Sacramento for college, symbolizing her journey back into the world with newfound wisdom and self-discovery.

11. Resurrection : Lady Bird’s return home prompts reconciliation and understanding with her family, particularly her mother, as they navigate the complexities of love and acceptance.

12. Return with the Elixir : Lady Bird’s return home marks a resolution, bringing a sense of acceptance and understanding, not only for herself but also for her family.

In Lady Bird, the Hero’s Journey is elegantly woven into the fabric of a coming-of-age story. It captures her challenges, growth, and self-discovery inherent in the journey from adolescence to adulthood, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams.

Exceptions: Not Every Plot Fits the Hero’s Journey

Whilst the Hero’s Journey is a flexible template and can be adapted to various genres and themes, it might not be the best fit for certain stories; especially the ones that intentionally subvert traditional narrative structures, focus solely on ensemble casts without a clear central protagonist, or explore experimental storytelling methods. Here are a few examples:

Experimental Films

Experimental films often prioritize unconventional storytelling methods, abstract concepts, and non-linear narratives. In such cases, the traditional stages of the Hero’s Journey may not be evident, as these films may prioritize artistic expression over a structured plot.

Example: Koyaanisqatsi (1982) Directed by Godfrey Reggio, “Koyaanisqatsi” is an experimental documentary film that uses time-lapse photography and innovative editing techniques to depict the relationship between humans, nature, and technology. The film doesn’t follow a traditional narrative structure or a hero’s journey but rather offers a visual and auditory exploration of its themes.

Documentaries

Some documentaries aim to capture real-life events, explore social issues, or provide informative content. The Hero’s Journey, with its focus on fictional characters and their transformative arcs, may not align with the goals of documentary filmmaking.

Example: Grizzly Man (2005) Directed by Werner Herzog, this documentary explores the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska. The film is a character study and examination of nature, presenting real-life events without following a fictional hero’s journey.

Slice-of-Life Dramas

Movies that focus on depicting everyday life without a central conflict or clear protagonist’s journey might not adhere strictly to the Hero’s Journey structure. The emphasis is often on realism and capturing ordinary moments rather than a hero’s transformative adventure.

Example : Boyhood (2014) Directed by Richard Linklater, “Boyhood” is a coming-of-age film that spans over 12 years, following the life of a boy named Mason. The film captures ordinary moments in Mason’s life without a traditional central conflict, showcasing the challenges and joys of growing up.

Art House Cinema

Art house films often prioritize artistic expression, symbolism, and unique narrative structures. These films may not follow a traditional hero’s arc, as the focus might be on creating an emotional or intellectual experience rather than a clear, linear narrative.

Example: Mulholland Drive (2001) Directed by David Lynch, this enigmatic film is known for its surreal and dreamlike narrative. Lynch weaves a complex story with multiple layers, challenging conventional storytelling structures and incorporating elements of psychological horror and mystery.

Episodic or Anthology Films

Films with episodic or anthology formats, where multiple stories or vignettes are presented, might not follow a single hero’s journey across the entire film. Each segment may have its own thematic or narrative structure.

Example: Pulp Fiction (1994) Directed by Quentin Tarantino, “Pulp Fiction” is famously known for its non-linear narrative and multiple interconnected storylines. Each segment features different characters and situations, creating an anthology structure rather than following a single hero’s journey.

Certain Comedy Films

While many comedies incorporate elements of the Hero’s Journey, certain slapstick or purely situational comedies may prioritize humor over a structured hero’s arc. The primary goal is to generate laughs rather than guide the protagonist through a transformative journey.

Example: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, this comedy classic is a parody of the Arthurian legend. The film is known for its absurd humor, satirical elements, and episodic structure, deviating from a traditional hero’s journey while delivering comedic brilliance.

Non-Narrative or Abstract Films

Films that lean heavily on visual aesthetics, abstract concepts, or non-narrative structures may not adhere to the Hero’s Journey. The focus is on evoking emotions or exploring themes through visuals rather than following a traditional story arc.

Example: Samsara (2011) Directed by Ron Fricke, this non-narrative documentary is a visual and musical journey through various cultures and landscapes. The film emphasizes stunning imagery and thematic exploration without a conventional plot or character-driven narrative.

These examples showcase the diversity of writing styles and genres that deviate from the traditional hero’s journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s important to know the technique that suits your style, be it Hero’s Journey or alternative frameworks like Save The Cat , Dan Harmon’s Story Circle , or any other. If none of those particularly suit you and you would still like to outline, you can create your custom template . Scrite allows you to use existing templates or create or own. You can download the app to get started for free.

• Tags 12 steps heros journey , chris vogler , heros journey , joseph campbell , ladybird , ladybird story structure , storytelling structure , writers journey

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Great adventures: five examples of a hero’s journey.

• March 2, 2020
• TEDxMileHigh Admin
• Art & Design

It’s the common thread woven throughout all storytelling. A lens that can be applied to any film or work of literature where each story will look the same. This arc of character and plot development is called the hero’s journey, and it’s everywhere.

In part one of this series , we learned what the hero’s journey is and the steps a character must take in order to fulfill their quest. We also learned that this story arc is relatable to us because our lives follow a similar pattern. If you still aren’t convinced that the hero’s journey permeates the fictional world, here are five great examples of a hero’s journey from different classics.

Spoiler Alert: If you are unfamiliar with any of these books or movies, skip them! We discuss the entirety of the story, including the end. 

Examples of a Hero’s Journey in Five Stories

This 2009 sci-fi blockbuster became the top-grossing film of all time just 47 days after it premiered. Its success is largely due to the incredible Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) characters and visual effects that are vibrantly convincing. Underlying messages and morals such as the importance of a peoples’ culture and land conservation accompany the film. While all of these elements play a role in the resounding praise of this film, there’s another reason people loved the film: the main character followed a typical hero’s journey.

Jake Sully starts out as a paraplegic former Marine. He is chosen to be a bodyguard for a research team on a search for a new energy source on the planet Pandora. While on their mission, Sully meets Neytiri, a native of Pandora, and is quickly accepted by her and her people. Sully is then faced with the moral choice to continue his work with the team he came with, and thus destroy the sacred native land, or join the native tribes and fight back against his own people. In the end, he helps save the land and its people and makes a permanent transition from his human body to the able-bodied avatar. 

Sully’s time on Pandora is the perfect example of a hero’s journey: 

• Separation: He is called to his adventure as a bodyguard, separating himself from his otherwise ordinary life
• Initiation: The initiation stage involves his meeting Neytiri and his introduction to her native tribe, and his moral dilemma of helping the natives of Pandora or staying with his team
• Return: His return is marked by the triumph of the natives. He returns to the tribe, physically changed from a human to one of their own, and mentally a new being with a new purpose

2. Marvel’s Spiderman

Another dominating movie franchise is Marvel’s The Avengers and the superhero spin-offs that it consists of. The movies have been a force to be reckoned with in the box office. However, each character had their start as a part of a comic book. Perhaps one of the most classic of this comic-book-hero-turned-movie-star is Spiderman.

The most recent adaptation of this beloved character is in the Marvel Avenger movies and the spin-off hits. In case there is any question that he is a hero, here is his journey in three steps:

• Separation: After the iconic spider bite, Peter Parker discovers his spider-like powers, prompting his new superhero life. He needs to adapt to life as a teenager with superpowers and fight crime at the same time
• Initiation: Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man) and the other Avenger superheroes recruit him to help them in their battle against their extraterrestrial enemies
• Return: In the end, Spiderman returns as Peter Parker to his normal high school life, but is changed by the knowledge of his bigger responsibility as a superhero

Marvel’s Avenger version of Spiderman follows the classic hero’s journey, but we can see a major emphasis on the introduction of a mentor throughout Parker’s adventure. Iron Man serves as a father-like figure and helps Parker not only navigate his newfound superpowers but also how to harness them and use them for good. 

  3. The Wizard of Oz

A beloved novel-turned-film story that includes wicked witches, ruby slippers, and flying monkeys. This film is known for its brilliant use of color to separate real life from the fantasy world of Oz, as well as its iconic song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Dorothy’s journey, however, is different from other examples of a hero’s journey because she is a woman. (In part one we learned about the difference between a hero and heroine’s journey, and Dorothy’s yellow-brick-road path embodies a classic example.)

• Separation: After the twister drops her house in the magical land of Oz, and coincidentally on top of the Wicked Witch of the East, all Dorothy wants is to return home to Kansas
• Initiation: On her adventure, she meets three iconic friends, the scarecrow, the tin man, and the lion. They ultimately help her defeat her enemy, the Wicked Witch of the West and find the Emerald City 
• Return: Dorothy returns home to her family in Kansas only to realize she’s been on an incredible independent adventure

Like Spiderman, Dorothy also has a mentor: Glenda. She advises Dorothy to seek the Wizard of Oz at the end of the yellow brick road. 

The key to a heroine’s journey is overcoming society’s expectations of women . Dorothy does this several times throughout the film, like when she longs for adventure when the expectation is that she lives on her family’s farm. Or the expectation that her new, male friends will help her when she ultimately helps them. Finally, when Dorothy returns home on her own, proving she doesn’t need to rely on her uncles or anyone else to get what she wants.

The other stages of Dorothy’s quest make it one of the many examples of a hero’s journey, but it is this power that she finds as a woman that distinguishes her as a heroine.

4. To Kill A Mockingbird

This Pulitzer-Prize winning novel is at once a coming-of-age story and an attack of racism in the depression-ridden South. The main character and heroine, Scout Finch, grows up conflicted between how she feels and how other people think she should feel.

• Separation: When Atticus, Scout’s father, and a prominent lawyer, agrees to defend a black man in court, the implications are felt by the entire family. The two kids are alienated at school for their father’s decision
• Initiation: Their initiation stage takes up the bulk of the story. Atticus remains a prominent mentor to Scout and her conflicted societal views. The elusive Boo Radley remains a friend and helper although never showing his face. The conflict of this novel is woven throughout the story. Scout struggles to understand the racial views of those around her. There is also major discontent from the Maycomb townspeople surrounding Atticus’s decision to defend a black man
• Return: In the end, Scout finally puts a face to the name when Boo Radley saves her and her brother from a man who disapproved of their father’s case in court. She also realizes that regardless of what other people think, it’s better to do the right thing than cave into societal pressures

Scout can be seen as a heroine on her journey because she defies the expectations of her as a young girl. She also disregards what society thinks of her interactions with black people. She sees no problem with her father defending a black man in court. Although she can feel the discontent from those around her, Scout understands that a person deserves equal treatment despite their race, and she spends most of the novel making that point.

Disney characters and movies follow the hero’s journey.

• Separation: Aladdin lives as a poor “street-rat” until he fatefully meets the Genie in the Cave of Wonders. With the Genie’s help, Aladdin is transformed from poor bread-stealer to Prince Ali in order to win the heart of Princess Jasmine
• Initiation: Aladdin is confronted with not only Jafar, the hand to the Sultan but also the moral struggle of living a lie in order to impress the person he loves
• Return: In the end, Aladdin realizes no magical genie power can truly give him what he wants. After defeating Jafar, he admits to lying about who he is and why he felt he needed to be someone he wasn’t

The emphasis of the return in Aladdin’s hero journey is what is important. He met the Genie and was pushed into this magical adventure as Prince Ali. With the Genie at his side as his mentor, he is able to defeat Jafar, but he realizes the Genie can’t help him with everything. The lesson Aladdin learns about being himself in order to get what he wants is important. It proves that he has had what he needed all along—that is all he will ever need.

The Moral of the Story

From comic books to blockbusters, Pulitzer-Prize novels to classic films, these works have seen varying levels of success. Some were the biggest movies of all time and some were classic novels that are still read generations later. Despite the details in each piece, all of these stories follow the same narrative archetype—the arc of the hero’s journey.

These examples of a hero’s journey are five of many, but they are also proof that this story arc can be applied to any piece of film or literature. I encourage you to apply this arc to any and all of your favorite stories—including your own life.

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Introduction to the Hero’s Journey Outline

Have you ever noticed that all the good stories follow a similar pattern? That there are just certain narrative elements that resonate with many people and have an emotional impact?

While there are a variety of templates used by storytellers, one of the most well-known and influential structures is the Hero’s Journey outline. This story model is profoundly character-centered, as it demonstrates both the internal and external voyage of the hero. 

The Hero’s Journey structure is used in films, novels, video games, and all the other types of enterprises where storytelling is required. Understanding its principles will allow you to comprehend the fundamentals of crafting a powerful story. 

Our introduction to the Hero’s Journey outline will give you a rudimentary knowledge of this structure, and how with its help you can become a better storyteller.

Who Created the Hero’s Journey?

The term Hero’s Journey was coined by Joseph Campbell in 1987. 

Joseph Campbell was an American professor of literature and comparative mythology. He has traveled the world and collected folk tales, myths, legends, and stories from different countries and cultures. Throughout his travels, Campbell observed that all those stories follow a similar pattern. 

The pattern involved a hero with a specific goal, traveling into the realm of the unknown, fulfilling the wish through sacrifice, and returning to the world of the ordinary by restoring the balance. 

Even though the art of telling a story has existed long before Campbell, he was the one who tailored the term Hero’s Journey and popularized it. According to Campbell, the Hero’s Journey outline is “as old as time” and acts as a guideline to “fundamental human experience”. 

Essentially, the Hero’s Journey outline is a story of change and sacrifice; these motifs are present in all the stories. Campbell said that on an elemental level we are all retelling the universal story, over and over again; he dubbed it the monomyth . 

The Monomyth: Separation, Initiation, Return 

The Monomyth follows a basic yet cardinal structure. It involves a hero, with a particular goal in mind, who needs to venture into the unknown, leaving the ordinary world behind, and return balance for the sake of the greater good through sacrifice. 

Another important aspect that needs to be understood, is that Hero’s Journey incorporates a set of archetypal characters. Archetypal character constitutes a patterned quality of a certain character, again present in all stories. Some of the archetypal characters are hero, tyrant, damsel in distress, wise old man, fool, etc. 

The monomyth is usually depicted through a circle diagram, separated into three segments. In a clockwise direction, a hero needs to pass through the whole circle, and return to the back where he has started from. Only now the hero has manifested his destiny, self-actualized his potential, and completed a sacrifice that is going to bring out the best. 

Traditionally, the Hero’s Journey template was divided into three segments and 17 stages. The three segments are separation, initiation, return.  We are going to break down these three segments, analyze each stage, and see why each one of them is important for a storytelling purpose. 

The Hero’s Journey Outline

The separation segment represents a departure from the known and the ordinary realm. This is the world that needs some change, needs saving. The hero leaves the comfort of everyday life behind and sails out for the adventure into the unknown territory. 

1. The Ordinary World

The Ordinary World is where the hero exists before the story starts, unknowing of what is to come. This is the status quo of our story, an ordinary world that needs to be left behind for the better.

2. Call to an Adventure

This is when the hero is invited to start the journey. This call, also known as an inciting incident, acts as a story catalyst. It disrupts the comfort of the everyday life of our hero and sets him out on an adventure. 

3. Refusal of the Call

The moment of doubt before setting out for an adventure. Hero refuses the call, because of insecurities and fears. On a storytelling level, this stage suggests that stakes for the upcoming journey are indeed too high. This is the last moment our hero can quit, but as the risks increase, the hero ends up accepting the call. 

4. Meeting the Mentor

Here is where the archetype of Wise Old Man comes in. The mentor figure provides important insight and guidance for the adventure. Usually, the hero is also given an amulet or a tool that will assist them later on in the story. Think about this character for a second. Obi-Wan Kenobi assisting Luke Skywalker with words of wisdom on Tatooine, or Alfred the Butler advising Bruce Wayne. This is also a great part of your story for the exposition. As a writer, you can introduce important information about your world and the story in this section. 

5. Crossing the First Threshold

By crossing the first threshold, the hero leaves all that is known and needed behind. This is the moment that marks the commitment of the hero to the journey. It is the point of no turning back, stakes are now higher than ever, and the only way is forward.

The initiation segment of the hero journey signifies the world of unknown, chaos, and mystery. Your hero needs to pass these series of tasks, that result in a sacrifice to restore the order from chaos. 

6. Belly of the Whale

This is when a hero is faced with his first obstacle. The hero has just entered the world of the unknown as if metaphorically devoured by a whale.

7. Road of Trials

This is where all the fun begins. For the hero to come back to the new reality transformed, initiation must be fulfilled. This is where your hero meets all the obstacles, challenges, and adversaries. During every trial, the hero learns a new skill or gets an insight into how to proceed with the journey. 

8. Meeting with the Goddess

This usually signifies the positive union, and where the hero gets united with the allies. This would be a great moment in your story to introduce a love interest or other sidekick characters. 

9. Temptation

One of the hardest tasks that a hero must pass through is temptation. This is the moment when the hero is usually offered to join the dark side, to abandon the path. 

10. Dark Night of the Soul

That’s where all seemed to be lost. Bad guys are winning. There is no more hope left in the outside world. This is the darkest time of the hero’s journey when the hero loses everything.

11. Atonement

Traditionally Campbell referred to this moment in a story as an Atonement with the Father. Usually, it’s where the hero needs to confront a father figure, god, or some higher perception of Self, to atone all the mistakes. This usually results in the realization that there is still might be hope left. One last chance to make things right. 

12. Apotheosis

This is the moment of transformation, realization, and achievement. Apart from in every story when through a sense of revelation the hero achieves the mission of the journey and attains internal bliss. Now the hero is transformed through a metaphorical death, fulfills the goal, and is ready to fight the final battle to return to the world of the ordinary.

The quest is fulfilled, fear is conquered, and the hero feels complete. But what now? In the final segment of Hero’s Journey, the protagonist restores the balance, finds a way to return home, and utilizes all that has been gained during the quest. 

13. Magic Flight

Now a self-actualized hero is ready to flee the world of the unknown and bring the elixir of life back to the normal world. This is the escape, the chase before the final battle.  

14. Rescue from Without

The same way a mentor figure has helped our hero to cross the threshold into the unknown, the hero needs to receive assistance to return to the ordinary. Whether it is aid from the hero’s new allies, forces of destiny, or a mentor, Hero will require some assistance to return. 

15. Crossing the Final Threshold

Hero is ready to encounter the final adversary, confront the biggest fear, and face that final boss. With all the knowledge and experience that the hero has acquired throughout the journey, he is now ready to battle the dragon. This is the ultimate hero moment, a moment where the stakes are at their highest. Whether it is fighting the main villain, accepting a harsh truth, or making the final sacrifice, this is the moment when the hero needs to return to the world of the known. 

16. Master of Two Worlds

After completing the journey, now the hero has become the king of the two worlds; the world of known and the world of the unknown. The hero has become what he aspired to be, and the balance is about to be brought. 

17. Freedom to Live

Balance has been restored to the ordinary world. Your hero is now wiser and more complete. This is your happy ending when the goal has been fulfilled, and justice has reigned. 

The Hero’s Journey Examples in Film

But how can you incorporate monomyth into filmmaking? Have others tried doing that?

Yes! All films follow Hero’s Journey to a certain extent. Remember filmmaking is just another form of storytelling, and thus it’s the monomyth being retold through a cinematic format.

Start Wars: A New Hope

Let’s take Star Wars, and try to roughly interpret it through Hero’s Journey specter. 

In A New Hope , young Luke Skywalker sails out on his journey to save princess Lea. As he crosses the known world of his planet, he encounters many adversaries and dangers. Luke makes new allies, follows his mentor, and learns the ways of the Force.  

As Luke saves the princess, he realizes that his mission is much bigger than what he thought at first. He now needs to fight Darth Vader, lead the rebellion, and destroy Death Star to restore balance in the universe. 

Luke succeeds, risking his own life, and with the help of his allies returns to the ordinary world, now possessing Jedi skills, and knowledge to fight the evil. 

Doesn’t the story fit the monomyth structure perfectly? You can see how the creator, George Lucas, was influenced by Hero’s Journey. Lucas has paid tributes to Joseph Cambell and his work in the creation of Star Wars. 

Finding Nemo

Let’s see whether this structure works with a different genre. How about a universally loved Pixar animation Finding Nemo ? 

In an ordinary world of an overprotective clownfish, Marlin is shaken, after his only son Nemo is captured by a pair of Scuba Divers. Marlin’s call to an adventure has left him no choice and has sent him immediately to the world of the unknown, with one universal goal: to locate his missing son.

As Marlin crosses the threshold into the abyss of chaos, he is faced with a serious road of trials: predatory sharks, a pack of jellyfish, evil seagulls. At some point, Marlin enters a stage  Belly of the Whale , while swallowed by a giant whale. On his journey, Marlin meets loyal allies: a blue tang Dory, turtles, and Pelican Nigel. With their help, Marlin reaches the final destination, the Dentist’s Office, and finds his son. To retrieve him, Marlin risks his own life, and in the end, finds Nemo. 

The story ends with a happy ending, where Marlin and Nemo return home. After being initiated into the world of danger and chaos, Marlin improves his life by recognizing his overprotectiveness and leaves happily ever after with his growing-up-son. Marvin’s journey explores a universal theme of a father-son relationship and utilizes elements of coming-of-age drama; something that many people can emphasize with. 

And how about more philosophical films like The Matrix ? Did the Wachowskis follow a monomyth structure? Spoiler alert: yes they did.

Neo, a young hacker, leaves his world of the “known” by choosing a red pill; a pill that reveals the truth about the Matrix, and brings him out to the real world. In the real world, where humans are enslaved by Artificial Intelligence, Neo is prophesied to be the One, a man to free humans from the oppression of the machines. 

Neo is mentored by his Wise Old Man, Morpheus, and is supported by powerful allies like Trinity. To survive and liberate humanity, Neo fights his enemies, and finally sacrifices his own life. 

In the end, Neo indeed becomes the Master of the Two Worlds. e gets resurrected, and masters the laws of the physical Matrix, virtually becoming a superhuman. 

Now think about other films. What about Harry Potter, Cinderella, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan, Devil’s Advocate, The Avengers. Isn’t it the same story told in different ways?

As you can see, all great storytellers think alike. These filmmakers used a traditional Monomyth structure, where the hero has completed a conventional journey, yet everyone ended up with such a different movie! 

Do not see Hero’s Journey as a creative limitation. Quite the contrary, own in by knowing it, and make it your own!

How to Use Hero’s Journey in Your Story?

So how can you incorporate the Hero’s Journey into your screenplays?

One thing guaranteed: knowing the Hero’s Journey outline can make your storytelling more powerful. Filmmakers ranging from Christopher Nolan to Steven Spielberg have revealed that they use Hero’s Journey constantly in their work.

Remember, a hero’s journey is a combination of not only external but an internal sojourn that your protagonist undertakes. Knowing the Hero’s Journey outline will help you to understand your story on a deeper level. 

There are a couple of useful techniques that you can practice to understand this narrative structure better. For example, you can re-watch your favorite film, with the Hero’s Journey outline in front of you. While you watch it, see how well the film fits the pattern. It might skip a couple of stages or re-arrange, but the overall structure will remain the same.

Whenever you are working on the story, try using the beats of your plot to match the beats of the Hero’s Journey. This will give your story shape, structure, and tempo. 

And by the way: rules are meant to be broken. Use the general structure of the monomyth to craft the story, but feel free to interchange some things. You should always find creative ways to alter and re-contextualize the hero’s journey wheel somehow. This is what is going to make your work stand out in the end. 

In Conclusion

Congratulations! Now you know how all the good stories are made. It is a lot to process, but if you start applying this knowledge when you watch or read something it gets easier. 

Knowing the monomyth structure, won’t only make you a better storyteller, but it will make you a better person. If you think about life and its periods, we all pass through our own Hero’s Journey. 

Think about growing up. As you mature, you leave the family house and descend into the voyage of the unknown, to transform yourself and manifest a beautiful future. Perhaps the reason why this storytelling structure works so well is that it mirrors our own life. 

Further Reading List: 

• The Hero With a Thousand Faces (1949) – Joseph Campbell
• The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers (1992) – Christopher Vogel
• Poetics – Aristotle 
• Screenplay (1979) – Syd Field

How to Teach the Hero’s Journey: Engaging Students with the Monomyth Story Structure

Looking for advice on how to teach the Hero’s Journey in your secondary ELA class? Between a unit outline, a list of teachable titles, and engaging activities, this post is just what you need to get started.

What defines a hero?

That’s the simple question I love to open with when teaching the Hero’s Journey in secondary ELA. The best part? As students partake in an engaging discussion about their favorite heroes and the qualities that make them so great, they are unknowingly laying the foundation for your lesson. Because what your students might not realize is that all heroes, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what heroic quest they complete, all have something in common.

And that, my teacher friend, is the essence of the Hero’s Journey.

Keep reading to learn more about teaching the Hero’s Journey and my best tips for making it an engaging voyage for your students.

What Is the Hero’s Journey and Why Is It Important?

The Hero’s Journey is a classic narrative pattern that traces the transformative trek of a protagonist from their ordinary world into the unknown. During this journey, the character sets out on some form of adventure, meets mentors along the way, faces various obstacles, and overcomes challenges. In the end, they return home a hero equipped with newfound knowledge, perspective, or a physical object for the greater good.

This archetypal structure is as old as time and can be found in myths, legends, and stories throughout history. However, it’s widely used in modern literature and cinema as well. Luke Skywalker? Hero. Katniss Everdeen? Hero. The same can be said for characters ranging from Harry Potter to Spiderman. The Hero’s Journey can be traced throughout movies like Finding Nemo , The Lion King , The Wizard of Oz , Moana , Frozen , and even Shrek . I mean the list goes on and on.

Why Teach the Hero’s Journey?

By exploring this archetypal pattern, students can recognize and analyze the deeper meaning behind a wide variety of narratives, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for storytelling. However, the importance of The Hero’s Journey extends beyond literature—and that’s really why it’s important.

The Hero’s Journey is a reflection of a universal human experience of growth and self-discovery. (What teenager can’t relate to that?) Therefore, students can apply the monomyth to their own lives. They can take what they learned and use it to see their inner hero as they answer their own calls to adventures, face challenges, conquer their fears, and come out on the other side with newfound insights and knowledge.

It’s this real-life connection that gives the Hero’s Journey its true power and explains why the literary framework has stood the test of time.

What Are the 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey?

The Hero’s Journey can be broken down into 12 main phases. While not all heroes experience every stage in the same way, it goes a little something like this:

• The Ordinary World:  An introduction to the protagonist’s everyday life, relationships, and any challenges or limitations they face are first introduced.
• The Call to Adventure:  The protagonist receives a compelling invitation or challenge that initiates the on the heroic journey.
• Refusal of the Call:  The protagonist resists the call to adventure due to fear, doubt, or a sense of inadequacy.
• Meeting the Mentor:  The protagonist encounters a mentor figure who provides guidance, advice, and assistance needed for the journey.
• Crossing the Threshold:  The protagonist leaves the familiar and ordinary world behind and enters the unknown.
• Tests, Allies, and Enemies:  The protagonist encounters various obstacles,enemies, and allies that test their will, determination and character.
• Approach to the Inmost Cave:  The protagonist prepares for a significant challenge or confrontation, symbolizing their innermost fears, doubts, or weaknesses.
• Ordeal:  The protagonist is pushed to their limits when faced with their greatest challenge, undergoing a transformative experience.
• Reward:  After overcoming the ordeal, the protagonist is rewarded with something, often knowledge, that empowers them to continue their journey.
• The Road Back:  The protagonist begins a journey back to the ordinary world.
• Resurrection:  They face a final challenge, where they must apply everything they have learned and experienced.
• Return with the Elixir:  The protagonist returns and is reunited with the ordinary world, having been transformed by “the elixir”—an object, knowledge, or insight—for the greater good.

How to Teach the Hero’s Journey

Want to maintain student engagement throughout the trek of teaching the Hero’s Journey? Read through the steps below for an easy-to-follow outline to bring the narrative pattern to life in your classroom.

Step 1: Begin with a Conversation

Before formally introducing the concept, get students thinking (and engaged) with a simple conversation. Consider your essential questions for the unit and let them guide your initial discussion. Have students reflect on the heroes in their lives, asking them to work together to define what makes a hero in the first place. Here are a few questions you can use to get started:

• What does it mean to be a hero?
• Who do you consider as heroes in your life?
• Do all heroes share certain traits?
• Are heroes born or made?
• How can an individual change by taking heroic action?
• Do heroes have responsibilities to themselves? To others? To Society?
• What draws us to stories about heroes, real or fiction?

Step 2: Introduce the Concept

Next, provide students with a clear definition of the Hero’s Journey and explain its 12 stages. It’s helpful to use visual aids such as diagrams or infographics to help students visualize the structure as a full circle and transformative journey. Additionally, you can incorporate brief videos, like this TED-Ed , to provide an overview of the journey, too.

Step 3: Start with Low-Stakes Application

Once students understand what the Hero’s Journey is, have them work together to think of relevant examples of characters or plotlines that follow the pattern. As a class, create a list of familiar characters in popular movies and books that they believe represent the Hero’s Journey. This is a low-stakes way to get them to start applying the concept. Note: You do not need to dive into deep analysis here. Don’t worry, that comes next.

Step 3: Analyze Examples

Before diving into a more complex text, check for understanding using examples from well-known stories or films. Analyze a popular movie plot, working as a class to identify each stage of the Hero’s Journey. Pause to discuss the significance of key moments and check for comprehension. Encourage students to share their observations and interpretations of the Hero’s Journey along the way.

Strive to incorporate modern examples of the Hero’s Journey that resonate with your students’ interests and experiences. This will heighten student engagement and help them see the relevance of the Hero’s Journey in their own lives.

Step 4: Bring in the Literature

Whether you decide to teach the Hero’s Journey using short stories or a novel, select texts that provide clear examples of the narrative pattern. If this is the first time your students are working with the Hero’s Journey, analyze the selected literature together to ensure understanding along the way. Scaffold the analysis by using a mix of read-alouds, turn and talks, group work, class discussions, comprehension questions, and quick writes. Additionally, have students track the progress of the Hero’s journey in their notes or using a graphic organizer.

Step 5: Apply Student Knowledge

Provide students with various opportunities to apply their knowledge of the Hero’s Journey through writing assignments, creative projects , or group presentations. Start with simple tasks, such as identifying the stages in a short story, and gradually move towards more complex projects, like crafting their own Hero’s Journey narratives or writing a literary analysis essay .

What to Read When Teaching the Hero’s Journey?

Whether you’re looking to pull excerpts or to dive into full-length texts, here are some engaging titles you can use in your secondary classroom when teaching the Hero’s Journey:

● The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien ● Life of Pi by Yann Martel ● To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ● The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain ● Lord of the Flies by William Golding ● The Odyssey by Homer ● The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ● The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum ● The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ● The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan ● Holes by Louis Sachar ● Divergent by Veronica Roth ● Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling

On the other hand, if you’re looking for short stories for teaching the Hero’s Journey, read this post here.  

Exciting Activities to Engage Students with the Hero’s Journey

Whether you’re looking for formative check-ins or summative assessments, here are some engaging activities that give your students an opportunity to shine as the Hero in their learning journey:

• Hero’s Journey Roadmap: Play up the “adventure” element by encouraging students to design a creative roadmap to express the various stages of the Hero’s Journey. Adapt this activity to reflect the 12 stages or the narrative structure in general or map out a specific character’s experience. Either way, encourage students to use images, quotes, and symbols to enhance this visual representation.
• Everyday Heroes: While we associate the term “hero” with characters from comic books and movies, there are plenty of heroes among us. Therefore, this activity encourages students to take a closer look at the essential question, “What makes a hero?” Have students identify real-life heroes and present what their real-life version of this journey looks like. These figures can include historical figures, athletes, changemakers, activists, or even everyday people in their own community.
• Hero’s Journey Comparative Analysis: Assign students two texts, characters, or films that follow the Hero’s Journey. The twist? The plotlines should differ in genre, time period, or cultural context. Ask students to write a comparative analysis essay, exploring how the stages are portrayed in each text while highlighting that heroes come in all different shapes and sizes. To set students up for success, encourage them to start with a simple Venn diagram before translating the information into more thorough writing.
• Hero’s Journey in the Twitterverse : Students these days document everything on social media. So, why not document their learning? After reading a text, have students represent the character’s Hero’s Journey through a series of Tweets (or Instagram posts). Each post should highlight a specific stage in the journey. By the end, students should present 12 posts that showcase the character’s heroic transformation from start to finish. You can have students create dummy accounts or complete the activity using social media post templates.
• A Multigenre Monomyth: Rather than completing a classic character analysis, challenge students to create a multi-genre representation of a character’s Hero’s Journey. Whether students analyze a hero from a classroom text or from pop culture, have them explore said character’s journey through various genres. Each stage of the Hero’s Journey should be represented and analyzed through a different genre. In the end, they’ll have a multigenre representation of how the character undergoes transformation and overcomes challenges throughout the story.

Examples of genres include poetry, journal entries, abstract recipes, formal analysis, song lyrics, artwork, comic strips, maps, news articles, and more.

• Create Your Own Hero’s Journey: Encourage students to write their own Hero’s Journey stories. They can create original characters, outline the stages, and craft a compelling narrative that follows the pattern. Students can share their stories with the class or in small groups. As an alternative, have your students create the outline or story map for a short story that would follow the hero’s journey.

The activities above provide diverse ways for students to showcase their understanding of this narrative structure. Whichever activities you choose, your students are sure to showcase creativity, critical thinking, and engagement.

Final Thoughts on Teaching the Hero’s Journey

Before you begin your own heroic journey of teaching this beloved narrative pattern, remember that the Hero’s Journey is about much more than literature itself. Use the Hero’s Journey to engage students in the power of storytelling and self-discovery. Talk about real-world application!

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Hero’s Journey: A Guide to the Ultimate Storytelling Framework

Every captivating story, from ancient myths to modern blockbusters, shares a common narrative structure that resonates with audiences across generations and cultures. This powerful storytelling framework is known as the hero’s journey, a concept rooted in the groundbreaking work of renowned mythologist and author, Joseph Campbell. In this blog post, we’ll delve deep into the fascinating world of the hero’s journey, exploring its key components, providing examples from iconic literature, and sharing insights on how you can harness this timeless narrative structure to elevate your own writing. So, buckle up and join us on this epic adventure as we unravel the secrets of the hero’s journey and uncover the universal threads that bind us all together through the power of storytelling.

What is the Hero’s Journey?

At its core, the hero’s journey is a narrative framework that outlines the transformative arc of a protagonist as they embark on an adventure, face and overcome challenges, and ultimately return home, forever changed by their experiences. The concept was popularized by Joseph Campbell in his seminal work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” where he identified a common pattern in the myths and stories from different cultures and historical periods. Campbell believed that the hero’s journey resonated deeply with readers and audiences because it mirrored universal psychological and spiritual experiences, making it a powerful tool for creating engaging and meaningful stories.

The hero’s journey serves as both a structural blueprint and a symbolic template for stories, enabling writers to craft compelling narratives that reflect the trials, triumphs, and transformations we all encounter in our own lives. By understanding and incorporating the elements of the hero’s journey into your writing, you can create stories that not only entertain but also inspire and enlighten, transcending the boundaries of time and culture to connect with the very essence of human experience.

The Three Acts of a Hero’s Journey

Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey can be broken down into three distinct acts, each comprising a series of stages that capture the essential elements of the protagonist’s transformative arc. These three acts provide a roadmap for writers, helping them navigate the complex landscape of their stories and ensuring that their heroes undergo meaningful and memorable journeys.

• Departure (The Call to Adventure)
• Initiation (Trials and Transformation)
• Return (Master of Two Worlds)

As we explore each act in greater detail, you’ll begin to recognize the familiar narrative beats that have captivated audiences for centuries, and discover how you can use these archetypal elements to bring your own stories to life.

It’s important to note that while the hero’s journey offers a structured framework for storytelling, it is by no means a rigid formula. Writers should feel free to adapt, modify, and expand upon the hero’s journey to suit the unique needs of their stories and characters, always bearing in mind that the ultimate goal is to create engaging, emotionally resonant narratives that connect with readers on a deeper level.

Act 1 – Departure

The first act of the hero’s journey, Departure, sets the stage for the protagonist’s transformative adventure. It introduces the hero in their familiar, ordinary world and presents them with a call to action that will propel them into the unknown. Here are the key stages of the Departure act:

• The Ordinary World: This stage establishes the hero’s everyday life, providing a relatable starting point for the reader. It highlights the hero’s wants, needs, and any underlying issues that will be addressed throughout the story.
• Call to Adventure: The hero is presented with a challenge, quest, or opportunity that disrupts their ordinary world and demands a response. This call to action sets the story in motion and paves the way for the protagonist’s transformative journey.
• Refusal of the Call: Often, the hero initially resists or doubts the call to adventure, revealing their fears and insecurities. This refusal adds tension and deepens the character’s complexity, making their eventual acceptance of the call more satisfying and impactful.
• Meeting the Mentor: The hero encounters a guide, teacher, or wise figure who provides advice, support, and sometimes magical aid. This mentor figure helps prepare the hero for the trials they will face, and often plays a crucial role in the protagonist’s development.
• Crossing the Threshold: The hero finally commits to the adventure, leaving their ordinary world behind and stepping into the unknown. This stage marks the point of no return, as the hero embarks on a journey that will forever change them.

The Departure act sets the foundation for the hero’s journey, establishing the protagonist’s relatable struggles and desires while setting them on a path toward growth and transformation. As a writer, it’s essential to carefully craft this act to create a compelling and believable starting point for your hero’s adventure.

Famous Example: The Departure of Harry Potter

To help illustrate the Departure act in action, let’s examine the early stages of the beloved hero’s journey in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

• The Ordinary World: Harry Potter’s life is far from ideal. He lives with his cruel and uncaring aunt, uncle, and cousin, the Dursleys, in the small, ordinary town of Little Whinging. Despite his miserable circumstances, Harry longs for a sense of belonging and yearns to learn more about his deceased parents.
• Call to Adventure: Harry receives a mysterious letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, inviting him to attend the prestigious institution. This invitation promises to pull him out of his mundane life and into a world of magic, wonder, and hidden potential.
• Refusal of the Call: Initially, the Dursleys do everything in their power to prevent Harry from attending Hogwarts, hiding the letters and even fleeing to a remote island. Harry’s desire to learn about his parents and his true heritage is challenged by the Dursleys’ determination to keep him from discovering the truth.
• Meeting the Mentor: Harry meets Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts, who not only delivers Harry’s acceptance letter but also serves as his guide and protector in the magical world. Hagrid reveals the truth about Harry’s parents, his connection to the wizarding world, and the significance of the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
• Crossing the Threshold: Harry leaves his life with the Dursleys behind and steps into the magical realm by traveling through the hidden platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. As he boards the Hogwarts Express, he embarks on an adventure that will transform him from a downtrodden orphan into a powerful and celebrated wizard.

By skillfully weaving together the stages of the Departure act, J.K. Rowling creates an unforgettable introduction to Harry Potter’s hero’s journey, setting the stage for a thrilling and transformative adventure that has captivated readers for generations.

Act 2 – Initiation

As the hero steps into the unknown, the second act, Initiation, unfolds. This act is where the hero’s character and resolve are tested through a series of trials and tribulations. Through these challenges, the protagonist forms new relationships, acquires new skills, and grows as an individual. Here are the key stages of the Initiation act:

• Trials, Allies, and Enemies: The hero encounters a series of tests and obstacles that push them to their limits. They forge new alliances and face adversaries, which help them gain the skills and knowledge needed to confront their ultimate challenge. This stage is crucial for character development, as the protagonist’s reactions and choices reveal their true nature.
• Approach to the Innermost Cave: As the hero nears the climax of their journey, they must confront their deepest fears and darkest shadows. The “Innermost Cave” can be a physical location or a metaphorical space, representing the hero’s confrontation with their greatest personal or external challenge.
• The Ordeal: The protagonist faces their most significant trial, a life-or-death struggle that tests their strength, courage, and resourcefulness. This ordeal often leads to a symbolic or literal death and rebirth, signifying a profound transformation in the hero’s character or perception of themselves.
• Reward (Seizing the Sword): After overcoming the ordeal, the hero is granted a reward, which may take the form of a physical object, a new ability, or a revelation. This reward symbolizes the hero’s growth and newfound mastery, equipping them to face the final challenges of their journey.

The Initiation act is a crucible for the hero, as they confront adversity and evolve in response to the challenges they face. As a writer, it’s essential to craft compelling trials and conflicts that not only entertain but also illuminate the protagonist’s inner journey, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and capacity for growth.

Famous Example: The Initiation of Luke Skywalker

To better understand the Initiation act, let’s delve into the captivating trials and tribulations of Luke Skywalker from George Lucas’s “ Star Wars : Episode IV – A New Hope.”

• Trials, Allies, and Enemies: Luke encounters numerous challenges on his journey, from evading Imperial forces to navigating the treacherous Death Star. Along the way, he forms alliances with characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca, each of whom plays a vital role in his development. He also confronts adversaries like Darth Vader and the ruthless Galactic Empire, which test his courage and convictions.
• Approach to the Innermost Cave: As the Rebel Alliance prepares for their daring assault on the Death Star, Luke faces his greatest fear: the possibility of failure and the loss of his newfound friends. This moment of self-doubt forces Luke to confront his insecurities and embrace the lessons he has learned from his mentor, Obi-Wan.
• The Ordeal: Luke’s ordeal comes during the climactic Battle of Yavin, where he pilots his X-wing fighter in a desperate attempt to destroy the Death Star before it can annihilate the Rebel base. As he faces seemingly insurmountable odds, Luke is guided by the spirit of Obi-Wan, who encourages him to trust in the Force.
• Reward (Seizing the Sword): After successfully destroying the Death Star, Luke is celebrated as a hero and awarded a medal by Princess Leia. More importantly, he gains newfound confidence in his abilities and his connection to the Force, setting the stage for his continued growth and transformation throughout the remainder of the saga.

By incorporating the stages of the Initiation act, George Lucas masterfully charts Luke Skywalker’s transformative journey from a naïve farm boy to a resourceful and courageous hero. This compelling narrative arc not only entertains but also reflects timeless themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of friendship, making “Star Wars” an enduring classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Act 3 – Return

The final act of the hero’s journey, Return, brings the protagonist’s transformative arc to a satisfying conclusion. Having overcome their trials and emerged victorious, the hero must now return to their ordinary world, where they will apply their newfound wisdom, skills, or power for the benefit of others. Here are the key stages of the Return act:

• The Road Back: The hero begins their journey back to the ordinary world, often facing challenges or temptations that test their resolve and commitment to their newfound purpose. This stage serves as an opportunity for the hero to demonstrate their growth and mastery, as they confront familiar obstacles with renewed strength and insight.
• Resurrection: The hero faces a final, climactic ordeal that represents their ultimate test of character, courage, and transformation. Often mirroring the earlier ordeal in the Initiation act, this confrontation requires the hero to draw upon all the lessons and experiences they have gained on their journey, leading to a powerful moment of catharsis and renewal.
• Return with the Elixir: Having triumphed over their final challenge, the hero returns to their ordinary world, bearing a tangible or intangible “elixir” that represents their transformation and the wisdom they have acquired. This elixir often serves as a solution to a problem or conflict within their community, fulfilling the hero’s ultimate purpose and bringing their journey full circle.

The Return act is a crucial component of the hero’s journey, as it not only completes the protagonist’s transformation but also reinforces the universal themes of growth, self-discovery, and the power of individual agency. As a writer, it’s essential to craft a compelling and emotionally resonant conclusion that both celebrates the hero’s achievements and emphasizes the lasting impact of their journey.

Famous Example: The Return of Frodo Baggins

To illustrate the power of the Return act, let’s explore the culmination of Frodo Baggins’s epic journey in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”

• The Road Back: After the destruction of the One Ring and the defeat of Sauron, Frodo and his companions begin their journey back to the Shire, their home in the ordinary world. Despite their hard-won victory, the hobbits are not immune to the lingering effects of their experiences, as they continue to grapple with the emotional and physical scars of their adventure.
• Resurrection: Upon their return to the Shire, Frodo and his friends discover that their home has been ravaged by the villainous Saruman and his henchmen. This final confrontation serves as a test of the hobbits’ newfound strength and resourcefulness, as they apply the skills and lessons they have gained on their journey to rally their community and reclaim their homeland.
• Return with the Elixir: With the Shire restored and Saruman defeated, Frodo and his companions are hailed as heroes, and their once-ordinary lives are forever transformed by their extraordinary journey. Frodo, in particular, bears the intangible elixir of wisdom and courage, which he shares through his writing and storytelling, ensuring that the legacy of their adventure endures for future generations.

Through the stages of the Return act, J.R.R. Tolkien skillfully brings Frodo Baggins’s transformative journey to a close, emphasizing the lasting impact of his experiences and the power of individual agency in shaping not only his own destiny but the fate of his entire world. This emotionally resonant and satisfying conclusion is a testament to the enduring power of the hero’s journey as a framework for creating timeless and universally resonant narratives.

How to Use the Hero’s Journey in Your Writing

Now that we’ve delved into the three acts of the hero’s journey and explored some famous examples, you may be wondering how you can apply this timeless narrative structure to your own writing. While the hero’s journey offers a valuable framework for crafting compelling stories, it’s essential to approach it as a flexible blueprint rather than a rigid formula. Here are some tips for incorporating the hero’s journey into your writing:

Identify your hero’s core desires and fears

Understanding your protagonist’s motivations and inner struggles is crucial for crafting a meaningful and emotionally resonant hero’s journey. Consider what drives your hero, what they hope to achieve, and what obstacles they must overcome to realize their goals.

Adapt the structure to your unique story

While the hero’s journey is a proven narrative structure, not every stage will be relevant or necessary for your specific story. Don’t be afraid to modify, expand, or omit certain elements to suit the needs of your characters and plot. The key is to maintain a clear sense of the protagonist’s transformative arc and ensure that their journey remains engaging and emotionally satisfying.

Create compelling challenges and conflicts

The trials and ordeals your hero faces should not only test their physical and mental abilities but also push them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Design conflicts that force your protagonist to grow, change, and ultimately emerge as a stronger, more capable individual.

Balance the familiar with the unexpected

While the hero’s journey is based on universal archetypes and narrative beats, it’s crucial to infuse your story with originality and surprise. Experiment with unconventional approaches to the hero’s journey, such as subverting expectations, exploring unconventional hero archetypes, or employing an unconventional narrative structure.

Emphasize your hero’s transformation

The heart of the hero’s journey lies in the protagonist’s personal growth and transformation. Ensure that your hero’s arc is clear, believable, and emotionally resonant by highlighting the lessons they learn, the relationships they form, and the inner obstacles they overcome on their journey.

By integrating the hero’s journey into your writing and adapting it to suit your unique story, you can create compelling, emotionally resonant narratives that resonate with readers and stand the test of time. In essence, you become a better writer .

The Hero’s Journey Across Cultures and Time

The hero’s journey is not only a powerful narrative framework, but it also holds immense cultural and historical significance. Present in countless myths, legends, and stories from around the world, the hero’s journey transcends time and geography, offering a universal blueprint for storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.

Mythology and folklore

The hero’s journey can be traced back to the earliest myths and legends, from the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh to the Greek hero’s journey of Odysseus in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” These ancient narratives reflect the hero’s journey’s timeless appeal and the universal themes of transformation, self-discovery, and redemption.

Religious narratives

The hero’s journey is also deeply ingrained in religious texts and stories, such as the journeys of Moses in the Hebrew Bible or the life of the Buddha in Buddhist traditions. These narratives not only convey spiritual and moral lessons but also embody the transformative power of the hero’s journey, emphasizing the potential for personal growth and enlightenment.

Literature and popular culture

From classic novels like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain to modern film franchises like “The Matrix” and “ The Hunger Games ,” the hero’s journey continues to captivate and inspire storytellers and audiences alike. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to tap into universal human experiences and desires, transcending the boundaries of culture, language, and time.

Cross-cultural connections

The hero’s journey reveals a fascinating tapestry of interconnected narratives and themes, which can foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultural traditions and perspectives that have shaped human history. By exploring the hero’s journey in various contexts, we can deepen our empathy and broaden our worldview, recognizing the shared human experiences that unite us all.

The hero’s journey’s remarkable longevity and cross-cultural resonance underscore its profound significance as a tool for storytelling and resource for writers . By embracing and celebrating the hero’s journey in its many forms, we can not only create compelling stories but also foster a deeper sense of connection and empathy with others, transcending the barriers of time and culture.

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We meet our hero on their home turf, where they’re living a mundane life that’s likely recognizable and relatable to the reader. This stage is all about introducing your protagonist so that your readers can connect with them and understand how they relate to their current set of circumstances. Are they the outcast? The rule-follower? The rebel?

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , we see Harry living in the cupboard under the stairs of his aunt and uncle’s home. In The Hunger Games , Katniss is surviving in the poverty-stricken District 12 with her family. Both stories quickly give a sense of how our heroes fit into their current worlds—and what they might hope to change.

Stage #2: The Call to Adventure

This is the moment when our protagonist is called to a life-changing adventure, often by an external force. Also referred to as the “inciting incident,” this is the trigger that sets our hero on their path. It can be a call from destiny, some kind of crisis or emergency, or an out-of-the-blue invitation—any event that rips our hero from their ordinary life and thrusts them into the unknown. Neo was just a computer hacker until Morpheus appeared and offered him a choice: red pill or blue.

Stage #3: Refusal of the Call

Stage #4: Meeting the Mentor

Once the hero decides to take up the challenge, they reach their first obstacle. Maybe it’s a lack of direction or a need for guidance. Enter the mentor: a wise teacher who will provide our hero with the tools and support they need to succeed. Think Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda in Star Wars or Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter . While the mentor may be associated with an elder, it can also be a group of rag-tag allies who offer support and guidance.

Stage #5: Crossing the Threshold

This is the first decision our hero makes to step out of their ordinary world and into a new land of possibilities. In the traditional sense, this might mean leaving a comfortable place to go on a quest, like Dorothy stepping onto the yellow brick road in Wizards of Oz. It could also be more subtle, like taking a new job or choosing to stand up for something they believe in. Whatever the instance, this is the point when our hero decides to start making decisions for themselves.

Stage #6: Tests, Allies, and Enemies

Fully immersed in the strange new world, our hero must now face the journey ahead. This stage is all about testing their mettle, finding allies, and facing enemies. In Jaws, Chief Brody doesn’t immediately go toe-to-toe with a giant shark. He must first prove himself to the townspeople, battle against a money-hungry may, and gain allies in Quint and Hooper.

Stage #7: Approach to the Inmost Cave

After a long journey, our hero can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Be it a physical place like a castle or tower, or an emotional state such as facing their greatest fear, this stage is all about building anticipation for the massive showdown that awaits. Like Ethan Hunt and his allies mapping out their plan of attack in Mission Impossible , every hero needs a chance to catch their breath before the grand finale.

Stage #8: Ordeal

Unfortunately, nothing ever goes according to plan. When the challenge arises, and everything falls apart, our hero must persist until they find a way to succeed. But they don’t come out unscathed. Some loss must occur in order to trigger a transformation, like the death of an ally or the destruction of something they love. In Star Wars , Luke watches Darth Vadar strike down Obi-Wan, a mentor and father figure—which only further motivates him to rise up and fight the Empire.

Stage #9: Reward (Seizing the Sword)

Finally, our hero is victorious. And that victory comes in the form of knowledge, a special object, or a newfound power. This is their reward for facing the Ordeal and overcoming the odds. In The Matrix, Neo is rewarded with confidence in his abilities and a sense that he just might be The One.

Stage #10 The Road Back

On the way home, our hero realizes that their victory is not without consequences. New enemies and bigger challenges arise that go far beyond the scope of what they originally set out to do. While they’re tempted to abandon this second call to adventure (especially considering they’ve found what they were looking for), the hero ultimately decides to stay and fight. For example, after finally receiving passage home, Odysseus learns that his wife is being courted by suitors.

Stage #:11 Resurrection

Here our hero faces their greatest challenge yet. It may look like certain death, but our hero nonetheless finds the strength to persevere. Whether it’s Luke destroying the Death Star or Harry Potter going head-to-head with Voldemort, the resurrection is a finale that proves the hero has come full circle.

Stage #12: Return with the Elixir

Finally, our hero is able to return home—only they’re not anything remotely like the person they were before the journey began.  This is the ultimate reward and lesson learned. Armed with newfound skills, knowledge, and confidence, our hero returns to their ordinary world, ready to share their elixir with the rest of us.

Want To Dive Deeper?

For those looking to explore the use of The Hero’s Journey in their novel further, check out Joseph Campbell’s original book The Hero with a Thousand Faces as well as Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey . Volger also has some resources on his website that can be helpful for setting up a hero’s journey in your story.

The internet is full of references and homages to The Hero’s Journey, far more that it’s possible to discuss here. For variety, consider investigating other archetypal journeys such as the Heroine’s Journey and the Virgin’s Promise .

Working with a professional editor or book coach can also help you decide if the Hero’s Journey or another archetype can make your story arc the most impactful. Click here to learn more about PDHines book coaching service s and how we can help you bring your story to life.

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Odysseus Hero's Journey in Homer's Odyssey

In this activity, activity overview, template and class instructions, more storyboard that activities, this activity is part of many teacher guides.

Related to both plot diagram and types of literary conflict, the "Hero’s Journey" is a recurring pattern of stages that the hero encounters over the course of their stories. Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer, articulated this cycle after researching and reviewing numerous myths and stories from a variety of time periods and regions of the world. He found that they all share fundamental principles. This spawned the Hero’s Journey, also known as the Monomyth. The most fundamental version has 12 steps that the hero faces, while more detailed versions can have up to 17.

Teachers may wish for students to collaborate on this activity which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature. This can help cut down on the time it takes to complete the entire storyboard while also helping students to develop communication, self-management and leadership skills. Teachers can enable collaboration for the assignment and students can either choose their partner(s) or have one chosen for them. It is suggested that since the Hero's Journey storyboard is 12 cells, it is best if completed by students in groups of 2, 3 or 4.

Odysseus Hero's Journey Example

Hero’s journey project examples and more ideas for the odyssey.

Creating a storyboard that illustrates each of Odysseus’ hero’s journey steps is engaging and creative. However, there are lots of other ways for students to show what they have learned about Odysseus’ monomyth! Check out some of our ideas below:

• Using the timeline layout, make a timeline of Odysseus’ epic journey. You don’t need to include the 12 stages of the hero’s journey for this activity, but be sure to include events in chronological order.
• Create a the hero’s journey chart for another character in literature that you have read and compare that journey to Odysseus' journey. Use our blank template as the hero’s journey graphic organizer to help you plan.
• Make a map of Odysseus’ journey.
• Using one of Storyboard That’s board game templates , create a game based on Odysseus’ hero’s journey for your classmates to play! Think about the setting of the story and use that as the theme of your game.
• Using one of Storyboard That’s biography poster templates, create a poster about the story’s hero, Odysseus.

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Use the story of The Odyssey and map it to the narrative structure of the Hero's Journey. This can be done in place of The Odyssey plot diagram.

• Depict and describe how the chosen character's story fits (or does not fit ) into each of the stages of the Hero's Journey.
• Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-10

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: The Hero's Journey

• [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/3] Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme
• [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/5] Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise
• [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/6] Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric .)

How To Encourage Collaboration in Activities

Establish specific goals and objectives, make diverse teams, organize brainstorming sessions, set roles and responsibilities, offer rewards and incentives, reflect and learn, frequently asked questions about odysseus hero's journey, what is the call to adventure in the odyssey .

In The Odyssey , Odysseus’ call to adventure is that he is called to fight the Trojans by King Menelaus.

How does The Odyssey follow the hero’s journey?

The Odyssey hero’s journey follows the 12 steps perfectly. Odysseus is called to adventure, causing him to leave his hometown, and must conquer many challenges and obstacles during his epic journey. Eventually, he makes his journey home after his supreme ordeal.

What is the hero’s journey in The Odyssey ?

Odysseus’ journey begins when he is called to fight in the Trojan War. He goes through all 12 stages of the hero’s journey during Homer’s incredible tale of adventure.

How does Odysseus escape the cyclops cave?

This was one of the many obstacles that Odysseus’ faced, because the blind Polyphemus felt the backs of all the sheep when they left the cave to make sure the men were not riding on them. To escape and continue his journey back, Odysseus and his men tied themselves underneath the sheep to hide from the cyclops.

Odyssey, The

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The Role of Archetypes in Literature

Christopher Vogler's work on archetypes helps us understand literature

• Tips For Adult Students
• Getting Your Ged
• The Hero's Journey

The Job of the Herald

The purpose of the mentor, overcoming the threshold guardian, meeting ourselves in shapeshifters, confronting the shadow, changes brought about by the trickster.

• B.A., English, St. Olaf College

Carl Jung called archetypes the ancient patterns of personality that are the shared heritage of the human race. Archetypes are amazingly constant throughout all times and cultures in the collective unconscious, and you'll find them in all of the most satisfying literature. An understanding of these forces is one of the most powerful elements in the storyteller’s toolbox.

Understanding these ancient patterns can help you better understand literature and become a better writer yourself. You'll also be able to identify archetypes in your life experience and bring that wealth to your work. 

When you grasp the function of the archetype a character expresses, you will know his or her purpose in the story.

Christopher Vogler, author of The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure , writes about how every good story reflects the total human story. In other words, the hero's journey represents the universal human condition of being born into this world, growing, learning, struggling to become an individual, and dying. The next time you watch a movie, TV program, even a commercial, identify the following archetypes. I guarantee you'll see some or all of them.

The Hero's Journey

The word "hero" comes from a Greek root that means to protect and serve. The hero is connected with self-sacrifice. He or she is the person who transcends ego, but at first, the hero is all ego.

The hero’s job is to incorporate all the separate parts of himself to become a true Self, which he then recognizes as part of the whole, Vogler says. The reader is usually invited to identify with the hero. You admire the hero's qualities and want to be like him or her, but the hero also has flaws. Weaknesses, quirks, and vices make a hero more appealing. The hero also has one or more inner conflicts. For example, he or she may struggle over the conflicts of love versus duty, trust versus suspicion, or hope versus despair.

In The Wizard of Oz  Dorothy is the story's hero, a girl trying to find her place in the world.

Heralds issue challenges and announce the coming of significant change. Something changes the hero’s situation, and nothing is the same ever again.

The herald often delivers the Call to Adventure, sometimes in the form of a letter, a phone call, an accident.

Heralds provide the important psychological function of announcing the need for change, Vogler says.

Miss Gulch, at the beginning of the film version of The Wizard of Oz , makes a visit to Dorothy's house to complain that Toto is trouble. Toto is taken away, and the adventure begins.

Mentors provide heroes with motivation , inspiration , guidance, training, and gifts for the journey. Their gifts often come in the form of information or gadgets that come in handy later. Mentors seem inspired by divine wisdom; they are the voice of a god. They stand for the hero’s highest aspirations, Vogler says.

The gift or help given by the mentor should be earned by learning, sacrifice, or commitment.

Yoda is a classic mentor. So is Q from the James Bond series. Glinda, the Good Witch, is Dorothy's mentor in The Wizard of O z.

At each gateway on the journey, there are powerful guardians placed to keep the unworthy from entering. If properly understood, these guardians can be overcome, bypassed, or turned into allies. These characters are not the journey's main villain but are often lieutenants of the villain. They are the naysayers, doorkeepers, bouncers, bodyguards, and gunslingers, according to Vogler.

On a deeper psychological level, threshold guardians represent our internal demons. Their function is not necessarily to stop the hero but to test if he or she is really determined to accept the challenge of change.

Heroes learn to recognize resistance as a source of strength. Threshold Guardians are not to be defeated but incorporated into the self. The message: those who are put off by outward appearances cannot enter the Special World, but those who can see past surface impressions to the inner reality are welcome, according to Vogler.

The Doorman at the Emerald City, who attempts to stop Dorothy and her friends from seeing the wizard, is one threshold guardian. Another is the group of flying monkeys who attack the group. Finally, the Winkie Guards are literal threshold guardians who are enslaved by the Wicked Witch.

Shapeshifters express the energy of the animus (the male element in the female consciousness) and anima (the female element in the male consciousness). Vogler says we often recognize a resemblance of our own anima or animus in a person, project the full image onto him or her, enter a relationship with this ideal fantasy, and commence trying to force the partner to match our projection.

The shapeshifter is a catalyst for change, a symbol of the psychological urge to transform. The role serves the dramatic function of bringing doubt and suspense into a story. It is a mask that may be worn by any character in the story, and is often expressed by a character whose loyalty and true nature are always in question, Vogler says.

Think Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion.

The shadow represents the energy of the dark side, the unexpressed, unrealized, or rejected aspects of something. The negative face of the shadow is the villain, antagonist, or enemy. It may also be an ally who is after the same goal but who disagrees with the hero’s tactics.

Vogler says the function of the shadow is to challenge the hero and give her a worthy opponent in the struggle. Femmes Fatale are lovers who shift shapes to such a degree they become the shadow. The best shadows have some admirable quality that humanizes them. Most shadows do not see themselves as villains, but merely as heroes of their own myths.

Internal shadows may be deeply repressed parts of the hero, according to Vogler. External shadows must be destroyed by the hero or redeemed and turned into a positive force. Shadows may also represent unexplored potentials, such as affection, creativity, or psychic ability that goes unexpressed.

The Wicked Witch is the obvious shadow in the Wizard of Oz.

The trickster embodies the energies of mischief and the desire for change. He cuts big egos down to size and brings heroes and readers down to earth, Vogler says. He brings change by drawing attention to the imbalance or absurdity of a stagnant situation and often provokes laughter. Tricksters are catalyst characters who affect the lives of others but are unchanged themselves.

The Wizard himself is both a shapeshifter and a trickster.

• The Approach to the Inmost Cave in the Hero's Journey
• The Hero's Journey: Crossing the Threshold
• An Introduction to The Hero's Journey
• The Hero's Journey: Refusing The Call to Adventure
• The Ordeal in the Hero's Journey
• The Reward and the Road Back
• The Hero's Journey: Meeting with the Mentor
• The Ordinary World in the Hero's Journey
• Therapeutic Metaphor
• The Resurrection and Return With the Elixir
• "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Study Guide
• Direct Question in Grammar
• Object of a Preposition Definition and Examples
• Ice Breaker Game: The Movie of Your Life
• May Writing Prompts
• Das Nibelungenlied: Epic German Classic

VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY

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Tribes of india (video playlist) ethnographic films by sathya mohan, wednesday, december 2, 2020, the hero's journey of self-discovery.

https://youtu.be/9PL3M_t7Drs The cycle of the hero’s journey is a tale that is told over and over again, calling us to change by pushing us out of our comfort zone. These lessons are repeated over and over again, as one learns from their mistakes and improves upon life.

Jonathan Young, PhD reveals the secrets of the hero’s journey as it can be applied to improve our lives in the modern world. Jonathan Young, PhD, is a psychologist and storyteller who assisted mythologist Joseph Campbell for several years and went on to serve as the founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archive and Library. 

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AN ANTHROPO VISION

Most often, making of a documentary is akin to the process of feature filming in the sense that ideas are preconceived, scripts are made in advance, shooting and editing are done accordingly. Most of the documentaries are meant to generate messages serving the ideologies of the funding sources. It is no surprise that the masses are averse to these packages of propaganda.

Ethnographic film as a genre seeks to reveal one society to another creating an environment for trans-cultural understanding. It is loosely bound by perspectives in anthropology and supposedly far from ethnocentrism and propaganda. Here, the camera becomes an instrument of observation and record in the hands of an anthropologist. Events and social cultural phenomena are candidly recorded and interpreted with knowledge gained from participant observation.

Visual Anthropology admits the validity of different documenting styles and objectives for a variety of purposes like research, teaching, broadcast etc. There is a tremendous need for the potential use of film and photography in anthropological research. Also, there is an urgent need to document the rapidly vanishing diverse tribal cultures.

A picture contains thousand words. It might represent an aspect of reality.But it is only a construction. A word is not the thing. It is only a representation. Symbols are not the things which they represent. And realities are relative. Absolute reality is beyond our intellectual enterprise. Physics proves that the deeper we penetrate the matter the far are we from the truth because our instrument of observation intrudes and alters the spontaneous behavior of the subject. As long as the observer is separate from the observed, the paradox remains. It is only when the observer ceases as a separate entity, the total understanding is possible.

It is evident today that ethnographies are not considered as scientific studies. They are also not fiction. These are the times when determinism in science is paving way to probability. As Nietzshe put it – there are no facts, only interpretations. Facts or symbols or representations – they never make sense when are in isolation. Integrating them is a creative process. Ethnography and art are creative constructions. They need not claim scientific objectivity. As Robert Redfield put it – in advancing social science, we invent and practice technique and cultivate a humanistic art.

Anthropology thrives on cultural relativity and holism. If not a "science" in traditional sense, it is a rational enterprise. It aims at uncovering the governing principles underlying human diversity. It seeks to comprehend the unifying features that constitute human nature. Visual Anthropology blurs the distinction between science and humanities. It paves way to an understanding of human cultures in a holistic way.

Many works of art are anthropological in this sense.

A moving point generates a line

A moving line generates a plane

A moving plane generates a volume

A moving volume generates a hypervolume

The threshold movement is attained at the speed of light

At the speed of light mass becomes infinite and time ceases to be

A timeless, mass-less entity can travel to any point in the universe instantly

A timeless, mass-less entity can manifest to all points in the universe instantly

The mysterious aspect of a human, electromagnetic-ethereal, travels at or beyond the speed of light

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The Hero’s Journey: The Arts and Trauma Recovery

By M.B. Dallocchio, LMSW

*This is an article from the Winter 2021-2022 issue of Combat Stress

Veterans who are trauma survivors searching for a recovery method that fits them best may be viewed as warriors embarking on what Joseph Campbell described as the Hero’s Journey . 1 Veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress not only have to navigate mental health stigma but find their path toward healing while managing various forms of trauma-induced symptoms. As a Combat Veteran, artist, and social worker, I have assisted others on their own Hero’s Journey – which was only possible because I had figured it out the hard way. I discuss this post-war homecoming odyssey in my memoir, The Desert Warrior . 2

However, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I relocated to London and created Veteran Art Studio 3 on YouTube, which embodies all intersectional aspects of my experiences, what the journey has meant to date, and why it is important to broaden one’s horizons on the path to healing from military and war-based trauma. In a time of crisis, it became a priority to let people know that they weren’t alone, and that healing is certainly possible. I would argue that it is imperative to include the arts in evidence-based interventions.

This alternative perspective of arts-based interventions for trauma symptom management and healing calls for an examination of strengths present within Veteran trauma survivors, requiring a reframing of their symptomology. Using the arts (visual, literary, music, performance, etc.) as coping strategies in managing the aftermath of traumatic circumstances effectively serve as tools for learning to manage traumatic memories with a creative lens.

Using creative writing to process a Service Member or Veteran’s experience could be facilitated by understanding the three stages of the Hero’s Journey . This process can be done alone or with the guidance of a therapist. One could choose to write using a first-person perspective or use the voice of a third person to narrate the story of the “protagonist.”

The Creative Process

Before embarking upon the Hero’s Journey , it is highly recommended to ease oneself into the creative process by creating a specific space to brainstorm. One can compose music, create visual art, or even choreograph a performance piece using a creative process to begin using the creative lens to produce works in one’s chosen medium. The following process is outlined in Veteran Art Studio where one could use it alone or to assist a client:

• Find your favorite time, place, to create: Figure out where you feel the most comfortable to work on your chosen creative project. It could be a specific area of your home, outdoors, or even in bed using paper and pen or an app. Wherever you feel most inspired to create, go with it, and make it your creative spot.
• Choose your favorite method(s) to create: Whether you prefer using paper and pen, apps on your phone, voice to text, or a combination of a variety of methods, figure out what works best for you.
• Turn off your inner critic: You don’t have to be a published author or hold a Master of Fine Arts to get started, but you should do your best to silence your inner critic. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t get too bogged down in mastering the technical details of any medium or given craft. One can always adjust and correct later. Even the most experienced artists make mistakes, so allow yourself room for errors as well. The most important thing is that you’re here and expressing yourself.
• Figure out what you want to express most: Do you want to write about traumatic events? Do you want to paint a period that took place during childhood or adulthood – or even a combination of both? Decide what period you want to focus on.
• Outline your project: This is where you can start to organize a creative project by plugging in dates and locations of your story – or periods of time that inspire creative expression.
• Select a chapter or section that excites you the most and get to creating: Choose a specific event or details of your story that’s calling your name and go with it.
• Keep a notes app on your phone or a notebook for sudden bursts of inspiration: No matter what you like to use for planning creative projects, keep your preferred method for taking quick notes close. I prefer using both a notes app on my phone as well as a Moleskine notebook for random thoughts and unexpected moments of inspiration that I don’t want to forget. You’d be surprised how and when the muse strikes, so resist the urge to tell yourself, “I’ll remember this later.” Because inspiration comes and goes and can be easily forgotten.

The Hero’s Journey

Author Joseph Campbell introduced the concept of the Hero’s Journey as a universal theme of going on a journey that includes a transformation. 4 This journey is not only present in mythological tales and religious studies, but in well-known works such as Lord of the Rings , Star Wars , and numerous other books and films. The book was intended to help people “see myth as a reflection of the one sublime adventure of life, and then to breathe new life into it.”

The challenging process of military-related trauma rehabilitation and community reintegration parallels Campbell’s metaphorical use via literary arts of the stages of departure, initiation, and return. The historical conceptual framework for understanding psychosocial and lingering impacts of trauma not only explains the odyssey of the Veteran experience, but that the path from trauma toward healing is a worthwhile journey that emerges from the creative process.

The Hero’s Journey may be used as a method for the writing process, but it is important to bear in mind that creative approaches are not limited to this medium. While narratives of trauma, military service, or even childhood can vary, it is important to choose a specific range of time to focus on one’s creative project. By selecting a specific period of time, one can concentrate on events, details, and themes that are linear and limited. In doing so, this minimizes distractions and tangents while giving the project its core.

The Three Parts of the Journey

The hero’s journey is broken down into three main acts or parts, with the bulk of the action happening in the middle of the story. Part 1 represents the departure of the protagonist, where the Servicemember or Veteran can begin their narrative as they prepare to embark on a journey or quest. Part 2 represents the initiation of the protagonist, who endures challenges, hardships, and undergoes a transformative experience. Part 3 represents the return, where the transformed protagonist returns to the so-called ordinary world where the story began.

Part 1: Departure

When writing, composing, or creating a project about war or major life changes, the concept of leaving the familiar behind is a common theme and a great way to introduce your audience into your world (or that of your protagonist should you choose a fictional character). One may use wartime deployment as an example of the hero’s departure. Consider incorporating the following six points to see how each line up with your creative timeline. If any point does not apply to your timeline, feel free to skip it.

• Ordinary World: Where you (the protagonist) are in your everyday life prior to receiving life-altering news.
• Call to Adventure: This marks the beginning of the quest, the first sign of stepping into the unknown and possibly a terrifying new path. For example, the first time you get orders and know you’re about to deploy.
• Refusal of the Call: Was there any reluctance or doubt about the journey ahead? This is where you address any resistance to upcoming changes or any challenges facing the main character before the journey begins. This could range from general anxiety to conflicts with family or loved ones prior to departure.
• Supernatural Aid: The main character receives help from an unlikely source or an important mentor before the journey officially begins. This is where you would introduce a key character in your story who may impact the hero or the journey in a deep, meaningful way.
• Crossing the First Threshold: The main character has accepted the quest – or in this case, come to terms with orders to deploy, and starts preparing accordingly. This could mark the pre-deployment phase.
• Belly of the Whale: The main character has officially crossed the threshold into another world. This could be where deployment officially begins, and the hero comes to terms with possible injury or death – of the self or comrades – physically and/or psychologically.

Part 2: Initiation

During this phase, the protagonist is tested on a variety of levels. This typically contains the bulk of your story, and where one or more climax / life-altering experiences will certainly take place.

• Road of Trials: The protagonist is tested for the first time with a challenge that proves to be a milestone in the overall journey. This can be the introduction of one or more traumatic events as they apply to your story.
• Meeting with Goddess Figure: Campbell referred to this point as when the protagonist manages to experience transformative love. This can refer to romantic relationships or a deep sense of camaraderie in the middle of conflict.
• Temptation: If the protagonist’s ethics and morals are challenged, a possible deviation from one’s path may occur. How does the protagonist respond to a crisis of conscience? This is another marker for traumatic events as moral dilemmas serve as important milestones to be discussed if they apply to your story.
• Atonement: The protagonist is confronted with challenges related to leadership and/or regret. In Campbell’s monomyth structure, this would be a point where the protagonist seeks forgiveness or guidance from a parental figure, mentor, or leader.
• Apotheosis: After a period of introspection, the protagonist reaches a point where fears are overcome in a new, profound way that indicates a loss of innocence and an increase in knowledge – for better or worse.
• Ultimate Boon: Having overcome traumatic events and survived, the protagonist becomes more aware of his/her own mortality. This is a space where survival is viewed as a leadership lesson, or a change in identity prior to the return. For example, redeployment or the end of one’s enlistment could be used as a milestone.

Part 3: Return

After multiple tasks are complete, the journey is nearing an end.

• Refusal of the Return: This is where the protagonist has a crisis of feeling unready to return – or redeploy. This could indicate a feeling of not having done enough or having done the wrong thing. There is a sense of incompletion – whether it pertains to a mission or the self – to be explored before the journey ends.
• Magic Flight: The protagonist is provided with some sort of assistance prior to the journey ending. This could be help from a battle buddy or a leader/mentor figure before the journey ends. This is where the protagonist reflects upon the entire journey before returning to the so-called ordinary world.
• Rescue from Without: The protagonist is trying to come to terms with being transformed by the journey and other characters in the story provide a degree of assistance – from friendship to advice – for the road ahead.
• Crossing of the Return Threshold: The protagonist is officially returning home – or redeploying. It is clear by this point that the journey has changed the protagonist, who is returning to the ordinary world as a different person, marked by life-altering events.
• Master of Two Worlds: This incorporates post-deployment processing and community reintegration. As the journey has changed the protagonist, there is a new, intersectional understanding of the world.
• Freedom to Live: This final point indicates lessons learns, a newfound knowledge, and a sense of having survived.

George Lucas claimed that using Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey structure was vital in his creation of Star Wars, noting it is a structure that is timeless and can be seen in stories and myths for thousands of years. 5 I certainly agree that it is helpful as a structure to process one’s military experiences. This is intended to help organize one’s personal narrative as well as in discovering one’s authentic voice as an artist. Once this journey is completed, one will have a source to pull from and return to for creative inspiration that is completely organic and original.

The Arts and Healing

What led me to writing as Veteran after returning from the Iraq war? I was tired of living on a powder keg of my own trauma. Much like other trauma survivors, hypervigilance, anger, depression, and a variety of trauma-induced symptoms can take its toll on the psyche, and I found myself running on fumes for years in my own community reintegration process.

The purpose of writing one’s narrative or using another creative outlet to express emotion is not only to document aspects of one’s life, but to also make it tangible and gain perspective. When we’re given the space to breathe, create, and see or hear our work before our eyes, the results are a sense of empowerment and the gift of seeing or hearing our experience in present, tangible form. In turn, the writer owns those thoughts and memories – they don’t own the writer.

Expressing life experiences, whether through creative writing, painting, music, or performance art, has the power to alleviate many of what we might have been taught to suppress or numb out. Instead, I invite survivors to transform trauma into inspiration.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, 6 arts-based interventions – from the visual arts to music – can be used to:

• Reduce PTSD symptoms and co-existing conditions
• Improve cognitive functioning and behavior
• Aid in the expression of traumatic events and addressing recurring episodes
• Bolster self-esteem and providing stress reduction

When it comes to creating music, the effects are quite similar. Music-based therapeutic interventions have demonstrated the ability to facilitate the expression of traumatic memories, resilience building, motivation for long-term success, and lowering the need to seek additional mental health services. 7

Creatively Expressing Trauma

Dr. James Pennebaker, who studied expressive writing, said “By writing, you put some structure and organization to those anxious feelings,” and that “It helps you to get past them.” 8 Other research by Dr. Pennebaker indicates that suppressing negative, trauma-related thoughts compromises immune functioning, and that those who write visit the doctor less often.

There is something undoubtedly special about putting one’s own thoughts and memories into a creative project. When we express what disturbs us the most, what we fear, or things we are afraid to talk about, we free up space in our minds for something positive and healthier to take up that space. If we become unafraid of the voices within, it is also easier to lose our fear of the voices of those around us.

In the book Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within , Natalie Goldberg states, “I don’t think everyone wants to create the great American novel, but we all have a dream of telling our stories-of realizing what we think, feel, and see before we die. Writing is a path to meet ourselves and become intimate.” 9

Creativity Makes Life Worth Living

One of the most worthwhile aspects in the journey of expressing trauma is that we get to know ourselves that much better. Our voice and creative lens are important, not only to ourselves but to the collective story of humanity. It is easy to take that for granted. When we allow ourselves to speak from the heart and mind, we release a purifying fire onto the blank spaces before us.

When we transmute trauma into inspiration, it is somewhat of a magical process, much like the Hero’s Journey itself. Our perceptions change when we revisit past events – after we have changed, grown a bit older, and hopefully wiser. But more importantly they allow us to see memories in tangible form and provide space for reflection. By reflecting, we give ourselves both space and permission to let go of what has been hurting us or haunting us, and more importantly, we give ourselves the space to heal.

Campbell said, “My general formula for my students is, “Follow your bliss. Find where it is, and don’t be afraid to follow it.”” 10 In closing, I invite you to do the same. If you are a Servicemember or Veteran, create from your heart in a way that alleviates some of the burden from your own psychological ruck sack. If you are a clinician, help create the space for Veterans to do just that. More importantly, in creating works that emanate from difficult experiences, we create something new that allows us to follow our bliss toward a path of healing, redemption, and purpose.

• Campbell, J. (2008). The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Vol. 17). New World Library. 23-28, 222, 271-73, 289-90.
• Dallocchio, M.B. (2017). The Desert Warrior. Latte Books.
• Dallocchio, M.B. (2020) Veteran Art Studio. https://www.youtube.com/c/MBDallocchio
• Campbell, ibid. 23-28.
• Vogler, C. (2017). Joseph Campbell goes to the movies: The influence of the hero’s journey in film narrative. Journal of Genius and Eminence , 2(2), 9-23.
• American Art Therapy Association. (2012). Art therapy, posttraumatic stress disorder, and veterans. Retrieved from: https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/RMveteransPTSD.pdf
• Bradt, J., Biondo, J., & Vaudreuil, R. (2019). Songs created by military service members in music therapy: A retrospective analysis. The Arts in Psychotherapy , 62, 19-27.
• Pennebaker, J. W. (1997). Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process. Psychological Science , 8(3), 162-166.
• Goldberg, N. (2005).  Writing down the bones: Freeing the writer within . Shambhala Publications. xii, 11-13.
• Blessing, K. (2017). Cosmic Justice in Breaking Bad: Can Sociopaths and Antiheroes Lead Meaningful Lives?. In  Philosophy and Breaking Bad (pp. 77-92). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.

Art Credits

All illustrations by M.B. Dallocchio, LMSW

https://www.thedesertwarrior.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.B. Dallocchio is a London-based Chamorro artist, author, and social worker who specializes in artistic psychosocial rehabilitation. Dallocchio served as a medic, mental health sergeant, and retention NCO in the US Army for eight years.  While on deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in 2004-2005, she served as a member of “Team Lioness,” the first female team that was attached to Marine infantry units to perform checkpoint operations, house raids, and personnel searches on Iraqi women and children for weapons and explosives.

In addition to having been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, The Huffington Post, Las Vegas Review-Journal, PBS, Yahoo! News, and many other media outlets covering facing injustice during and after combat, she also speaks out on women and minority issues, post-traumatic resilience, and the importance of self-empowerment. She received her MSW from the University of Southern California and is a David L. Boren Scholar in Czech studies and international relations.

For more information, visit: https://www.thedesertwarrior.com/

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‘DEVO’ documentary a brisk visual ride through the band’s unique journey through pop music and culture

• Updated: Apr. 12, 2024, 1:13 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 10, 2024, 6:00 a.m.

CIFF48 closes on Saturday with Chris Smith's documentary "Devo," playing in the Connor Palace at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. (Photo credit: Janet Macoska) Janet Macoska

• Malcolm X Abram, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The 48th International Cleveland Film Festival wraps up on Saturday and the whole shebang is bookended, more or less, by two films about famous music bands from Akron.

“This is A Film About The Black Keys” screened April 5, a prime spot on the first Friday night of the festival. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, another new documentary about an Akron band, surprisingly titled, simply “Devo” will close the festival.

It’s an adroit juxtaposition on the part of the festival organizers. The two films have a lot in common, of course, from the Akron connections to a shared mission to chronicle the origin and development of famous local music makers. But the choices made by the respective bands and documentarians, Jeff Dupre for the Keys and Chris Smith for “Devo,” provide an interesting contrast.

The Keys film focuses on the ever-evolving relationship of principals Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach. “Devo” focuses on the relationship the art-project-turned-hit-MTV band had with pop music, pop culture and America from their childhoods in post-war 1950s Ohio through the end of their initial run in the early ‘90s.

The 93-minute “Devo” film is a pleasantly brisk watch with plenty of classic subversive Devo visuals, videos, and archival footage, including rarely seen clips likely to spark nostalgia in the few local folks who caught the band’s debut performances at Kent State in 1973 and watched them repeatedly and rather purposefully bomb at the long-gone Akron bar The Crypt in the mid-70s.

Devo frontmen Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale do most of the talking in both the contemporary interviews and in the many vintage clips, with germane additions from fellow band member Bob 1 (Bob Mothersbaugh) and the late Bob 2 (Bob Casale) and drummer and “human metronome” Alan Myers. Also included are founding members Jim Mothersbaugh and Bob Lewis, though the film completely skips over the latter’s 1978 lawsuit that was eventually settled. Devo prefers to focus on the band’s lawsuit against Warner Bros. and Virgin Records, that wound up giving the group the short end of the music business stick.

What viewers also get is insight into Devo’s conceptual origins, including the importance of Kent State in evolving these young idealistic hippies into subversive art-terrorists. Mothersbaugh says his time as a young Vietnam-era protester ended quickly. “Rebellion was obsolete,” he says, particularly after an incident where protesters threw rocks over his head at a campus building. The next day everything went back to “normal,” as if the student protest was just another performative act of groupthink that didn’t seem to change anything.

For Casale, his evolution at Kent State was more bloody and personal, specifically May 4, 1970, when the National Guard fired on students, killing four, including Casale’s friends Allison Krause and Jeffery Miller. “My time at Kent State was the defining era of my life, there would be no Devo without that,” Casale says early in the film.

Related reading: DEVO’s Gerry Casale talks about the beginning ‘of’ the end of Devo’s days on the road

Read more: Akron native Mark Mothersbaugh talks ‘Cocaine Bear,’ Devo’s 50th-anniversary plans and Rock Hall subversion

The film unfolds chronologically from the band’s earliest days in Akron, mixing Dada concepts, with the bright, shiny absurdity of advertising and their industrial Rubber City roots, their disdain and disillusionment with the false promise of the 1950s suburban haven.

It traces the band’s debut at New York’s fabled CBGB’s and run-ins with Clevelands Dead Boys at Max’s Kansas City and looks at their big move to Los Angeles. Throughout, various famous folk, including Brian Eno, who produced their debut album, “ Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!,” Iggy Pop and David Bowie (side note: it’s fun to hear a young Bowie say “They’re from Akron, Ohio”), pop in old recordings to sing the band’s praises. The band’s “Saturday Night Live” debut experience, where many folks (including this young spud) first saw Devo perform, is also covered in illuminating detail.

Also throughout the film, the contemporary Casale and Mothersbaugh (with assists from their younger selves) are constantly attemping explain just what the hell it is that this band of midwestern oddballs think they’re doing.

DEVO, photographed in Holland, 1978. (Photo: Barry Schultz) Barry Schultz

Is it art? Is it all a big joke? Is it audio/visual musical satire? Is it art, imitating satire, lampooning the corporatization of American life and culture? The answer seems to be all of the above. But as the years and interviews pass by onscreen, the band members seem to go from appreciating confounding folks to becoming increasingly frustrated at just how few people, beyond the dedicated “spuds,” actually “get it,” even as they are subsumed into the mainstream through the MTV video revolution.

Like many band docs, “Devo” follows the band’s rise and commercial heights and it’s nostalgic fun to watch the weirdness of seeing Devo with anodyne ‘70s talk show hosts Merv Griffin or sitting in director’s chairs with TV’s Mike Douglas, with a smiling John “Bo Duke” Schneider between them.

Also given plenty of screen time is “Whip It,” Devo’s most successful single and video, and the controversy surrounding the popular video, yet another bit of visual satire that was largely misinterpreted by music listeners and the mainstream, even as it was becoming a Top 20 pop hit.

What coalesces from “Devo” is that the band of art and music outsiders that formulated and championed the satirical concept of “de-evolution” eventually, and perhaps, they admit, inevitably, found itself sucked right into the middle of the devolving culture it disdained.

“It’s depressing that you succumb to the same reality that you were satirizing,” Casale says near the end, as the film shows the band’s commercial fortunes falling, their exhaustion from the make-a-record, make-some-videos, go-on-tour cycle.

They try to subvert the corporate music business game but the concepts they so successfully and vividly lampoon never take hold. Instead of the de-evolution of American society, we get te “mass marketing of idiocy,” as Casale refers to MTV after it abandoned Devo and entered the “Beavis and Butthead” era sapped the band’s spirits.

It may sound like a downer ending, and arguably it is, if viewers think too hard about how far we haven’t come in many respects. But the relatively fast-paced film is still an interesting look at an era in American pop culture and at the band that consistently flipped that culture the proverbial bird -- even if it ended up being consumed by it all in the end.

“Devo” screens at 7:30 p.m. at the Connor Palace Theater at Playhouse Square.

The 48th Cleveland International Film Festival is running now through April 13 at Playhouse Square. It will be followed by CIFF48 Streams, an online version of the fest on April 14-21. Tickets for in-person screenings are $16 for CIFF members and $18 for non-members. Tickets for CIFF48 Streams screenings cost $12 for CIFF members and $14 for non-members. Go to clevelandfilm.org for more information.

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• Rock Hall inductee coming to Cleveland this summer: Where will he be “chooglin’?”

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