Happy Christmas to those who celebrate!
Guilliean
The hero’s journey, as a theme, is a well-known trope in literature and film, typically dealing with a protagonist’s struggle with a given goal. The hero’s journey typically starts with a call to adventure, a call to save a fellow being from a dire situation.
The hero chooses to go on the quest, and after a series of trials and tribulations, typically climaxing in a final “Fate’s Deed,” the hero achieves his goal and returns home.
Joseph Campbell described the hero’s journey as three parts in the book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” So give that a go if you want to see how he tackles the topic.
In general, the hero’s journey is a familiar narrative pattern that consists of the following stages in order:
- Introduction to the hero’s world
- Call to action/adventure
- Cross the threshold
- Meet the mentor
- Taking on the first challenge
- Temptation
- Experiencing a dark, inner moment
- Final battle
- Return home
There are many ways to take on this list, of course. You can always examine a story, movie, or video game, and you’ll find it actively used.
Imagine your protagonist taking on the hero’s journey in their way. Consider this a writing exercise. It’s okay if you’re not relying upon it to guide your narrative, but write an outline of your story where they’re taking on a version of the hero’s journey.
