a hero's fantastic journey to different kingdoms in pursuit

Have an account?

Suggestions for you See more

Physical Fitness

University  , physical health, 11th -  12th  , rhythmic activities, components of fitness, 5th -  6th  .

FOURTH SUMMUTIVE EXAMINATION

Physical ed, arts.

25 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

1. The typical storytelling scene shows the grandmother on a rocking chair with her grandchildren listening to her fascinating tales.

Lola Basyang

Ako lang to

This is a fantasy story set to neo-ethnic music in a contemporary style. It is about a hero’s fantastic journey to different kingdoms in pursuit of his bewitched sisters.

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya

Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin

Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon

This is a local version of the Pied Piper tale where the main character mesmerizes his followers through the music of his violin. The story instills in them the moral lesson that “good triumphs over evil.” The music is by Ryan Cayabyab, arranged by Arnold Buena, and choreography is by Tony Fabella

This is a love story where a princess falls in love with a bird. It was choreographed by Ballet Manila danseur (a male ballet dancer) Osias Barroso. The music is taken from selected musical works of National Artists arranged by Mon Faustino.

This is a romantic adventure wherein the heroine Yani is being maltreated by her envious stepmother and stepsisters. The cursed bird is changed back into a prince with the help of Yani. It depicts Mindanao and the ancient Pintados through its neo-ethnic movements.

Ang Palasyo ng Mga Dwende

This is a romantic fantasy of the twelve daughters of the king. In the ballet, the eldest daughter is acted out by Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s daughter Missy.

Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa

This is a horror-comedy wherein the cowardly hero Huan tries to overcome his fears in order to win his love.

Anting-Anting

This theatre group also began mounting grand productions of originally-written musicals with a slant towards good values for children and the whole family.

Also making its own distinct contribution to the Philippine theater scene, established in 1994 by Monique Wilson—also a Repertory Philippines’ protégée who went on to star on the international stage. New Voice has earned a reputation for staging thought- provoking productions on daring and deep topics.

New Voice Company

The was founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated classically-trained singers, led by soprano Karla Gutierrez as artistic directress. The POC seeks to develop performers as well as audiences for classical music performances, both foreign and Filipino.

Philippine Opera Company

In 2007, this was founded, with Philippine theater mainstay Michael Williams as artistic director. The vision of the company is to widen the reach of stage productions beyond the traditional centers within Metro Manila, and therefore develop a broader audience base.

Theater Down South

In a professional stage production, this is the person who takes the play from a mere concept to an actual finished presentation. He or she chooses all the team members and assign

He/she is the overall artistic coordinator of the entire production. Like a conductor of an orchestra, he or she has a vision of the desired total effect and impact of the performance.

For a script intended for stage performance, the writer of the script is more specifically called a playwright. The initial concept or plot may be original, and then developed into a play script.

The concept and creation of the physical stage setup is the task of the set designer. He or she builds the set (or sets) that will simulate the world that the play’s characters are supposed to live in. The set may be realistic and filled with authentic details; or it may be minimalist, merely suggesting the setting with a few pieces of furniture or props and a simple backdrop.

Set designer

Coordinating closely with the set designer is the lighting designer. Lighting is critical in creating the mood of each scene in the play, highlighting a dramatic moment, signalling the entrance of a character, focusing attention on a specific spot on stage, or even providing the blanket of darkness for set and prop changes.

Lighting designer

The actors and actresses must look believable in their roles, and much of this is owed to the costume designer.

Costume designer

Similar to the lighting designer, the sound designer serves a vital role in creating and enhancing the atmosphere of the performance. Sound, in this case, includes music both on stage and as background, which the sound designer may need to source to suit the general time and place of the play, as well as particular scenes.

Sound designer

Coordinating all the complex behind-the-scenes details of staging a play is the production manager. He or she is tasked with overseeing the crews for the sets and props, the sound and music, the lighting, and the costumes.

Production manager

The technical director shadows the play’s director throughout the entire production process. From the time the director presents his or her vision for the play and issues instructions at every rehearsal, the technical director carefully notes how each actor and every member of the stage, sound, lighting, and costume crews need to be coordinated to bring the director’s vision to life—ensuring that every instruction is properly executed.

Technical director

In cases where a play involves dance in certain scenes, a choreographer is included in the production team. He or she not only plans out all the dance steps to suit the music, but also rehearses the actors until they are able to perform the dance skillfully—while remaining “in character” on stage.

Choreographer

As the costume designer deliberates on the characters’ main attire, the makeup designer is brought in to plan the hairstyles and makeup to complement the costumes.

Makeup designer

He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and has been one of the great dancers of modern dance and also pioneered the development of this art

Charles Weidman

. Dancer and choreographer born in Trinidad, Colorado. He began his studies in classical dance and soon became interested in modern dance.

Erick Hawkins

American dancer and choreographer. She created a dance academy in United States where all students were afro-americans. Dunham is known as the mother of modern afro-american dance.

Katherine Dunham

Explore all questions with a free account

Continue with email

Continue with phone

Q4- Music 10- Opera and Ballet

Leaderboard

Switch template.

Unraveling the Hero’s Journey: A Profound Narrative Structure Explored

by Danny Ballan | Jun 25, 2023 | Literary Spotlights

Unraveling the Journey: The Hero’s Voyage in Literature

The origins and patterns of the hero’s journey, the significance of the hero’s journey, contemporary narratives and the hero’s journey, the evolution of the hero’s journey, the hero’s journey unveiled: mapping the path of transformation, key takeaways, are all stories and myths based on the hero’s journey, can the hero’s journey be applied to non-fiction or real-life experiences, do all heroes have to be brave and strong, is the hero’s journey formulaic and predictable, can contemporary narratives deviate from the hero’s journey structure, are mentors always present in the hero’s journey, is the hero’s journey exclusive to western literature and mythology, can the hero’s journey be applied to short stories or only long narratives, is the hero’s journey limited to the fantasy or adventure genre, can the hero’s journey be relevant to personal development and self-improvement, myth: the hero’s journey is a rigid formula that all stories must adhere to., myth: the hero’s journey is only relevant to ancient myths and classic literature., myth: the hero in the hero’s journey must always be a strong, masculine figure., myth: the hero’s journey is a western concept and does not apply to other cultures., myth: the hero’s journey is only relevant to fictional stories and myths., myth: the hero’s journey is predictable, leading to repetitive and formulaic stories., myth: the hero’s journey is only about external adventures and physical trials., myth: the hero’s journey is outdated and no longer relevant in modern storytelling., myth: the hero’s journey always includes a romantic relationship for the hero., myth: the hero’s journey is a linear process with no room for nonlinear storytelling..

Hero’s Journey . These two words might conjure a series of images—slaying dragons, rescuing damsels, finding a precious artifact, returning home triumphant. This concept is as old as storytelling itself. More than a plot structure, it’s a profound pattern woven into the very fabric of our collective psyche. This essay will delve into the fascinating world of the hero’s journey, exploring its origins, patterns, significance, and relevance in contemporary narratives.

Joseph Campbell, a notable American scholar of mythology and religion, first defined the hero’s journey, or ‘monomyth’, in his seminal work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” (1949). Inspired by Carl Jung’s ideas about the collective unconscious and archetypes, Campbell observed that myths from diverse cultures shared a fundamental structure. This structure, a three-part narrative pattern, is the backbone of countless stories throughout history and across cultures.

The monomyth begins with the “Departure,” where our hero is called to leave their ordinary world. Often this call to adventure is initially refused, but with the assistance of a mentor figure, the hero will cross the threshold into an unfamiliar and extraordinary world. This world is rife with trials, allies, and enemies, ultimately leading the hero towards the “Initiation.”

The “Initiation” stage encompasses the hero’s various adventures, culminating in the central crisis or ordeal—an ultimate test of courage and strength. Victory in this test usually brings about a reward, a boon of knowledge or power, symbolic of their personal transformation.

The final stage is the “Return,” where the hero must make their way back to their ordinary world, often facing further trials. But they return transformed, bearing the boon for their community, achieving a form of self-realization and integration of their experiences.

The hero’s journey is not just a pattern; it’s a metaphor for the human experience. As readers or viewers, we identify with the hero, feeling their fears, their hopes, and their growth. This pattern mirrors the trials, tribulations, and triumphs we face in life. The monomyth helps us confront our challenges and learn from our experiences, just as the hero does.

Moreover, the hero’s journey reflects fundamental truths about human psychology. This includes our need for personal growth, our struggle with internal and external conflict, and our search for identity. These are universal themes that speak to readers and viewers across cultures and ages.

While the hero’s journey is ancient, it is far from obsolete. The structure is pervasive in modern literature, film, and television, from epic sagas like J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series and George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, to iconic films like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Matrix.’ The reason these narratives resonate so deeply with audiences is that they adhere to this fundamental narrative pattern.

However, contemporary writers often bring their unique twist to the hero’s journey. Instead of a young man setting off into a fantastical world, the hero might be an ordinary woman discovering her inner strength in a real-world setting, or a non-binary individual navigating societal norms and expectations.

In the hands of skilled storytellers, the hero’s journey continues to evolve to reflect contemporary values and sensibilities. For example, traditional hero’s journeys often centered on solitary heroes, reflecting individualistic values. However, more recent narratives might emphasize communal effort, mirroring our growing understanding of interdependence and the need for collaboration.

Moreover, contemporary narratives challenge the stereotypical image of the hero as a strong, masculine figure. Today, our heroes come in all shapes and sizes, genders, races, and backgrounds. This diversity in hero representation allows for a broader exploration of the human experience.

Finally, the nature of the ‘boon’ or ‘reward’ the hero brings back has changed. It might not be a physical object or an obvious victory over evil. It could be a profound personal transformation, an idea, or a piece of knowledge that has the power to change society.

The hero’s journey, while a timeless narrative structure, remains a potent tool in modern storytelling. As we continue to explore new horizons in literature and beyond, this archetypal narrative structure evolves to reflect our changing world, allowing us to engage with stories that are as diverse and complex as our lives.

Through this exploration, we discover that we are all heroes, embarking on our unique journeys, facing trials, experiencing transformation, and returning with gifts of knowledge and growth. The hero’s journey is not just a literary device—it’s a mirror, reflecting our struggles, our hopes, and our ongoing journey of becoming.

• Hero’s Journey : A narrative structure that involves a hero leaving their ordinary world, going through trials and transformation in an extraordinary world, and returning home with a reward or boon.
• Monomyth : Another term for the Hero’s Journey, referring to the common structure and pattern found in myths and stories across cultures.
• Joseph Campbell : An American scholar of mythology and religion who defined and popularized the concept of the Hero’s Journey in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”
• Departure : The first stage of the Hero’s Journey, where the hero is called to adventure and leaves their ordinary world.
• Initiation : The second stage of the Hero’s Journey, where the hero faces trials, undergoes personal growth, and experiences a central crisis or ordeal.
• Return : The final stage of the Hero’s Journey, where the hero returns to their ordinary world, transformed and bearing a boon for their community.
• Boon : The reward or gift that the hero brings back from their journey, often representing knowledge, power, or personal transformation.
• Archetypes : Universal characters, symbols, or themes that appear in myths, dreams, and stories, representing fundamental human experiences.
• Contemporary Narratives : Modern literature, film, and television that incorporate the Hero’s Journey structure but may feature diverse heroes and reflect contemporary values.
• Personal Transformation : The process of profound change and growth that the hero undergoes during their journey, leading to self-realization and integration of their experiences.
• The Hero’s Journey, or monomyth, is a narrative structure found in myths and stories across cultures.
• It consists of three stages: Departure, Initiation, and Return, and involves the hero’s call to adventure, trials, personal transformation, and the bringing back of a reward or boon.
• The Hero’s Journey reflects universal human experiences and provides a metaphor for personal growth, conflict, and the search for identity.
• Contemporary narratives continue to utilize the Hero’s Journey structure but often introduce unique twists, diverse heroes, and updated themes to reflect our changing world.
• Skilled storytellers adapt the Hero’s Journey to incorporate communal efforts, challenge stereotypes, and redefine the nature of the hero’s boon.
• The Hero’s Journey serves as a mirror for readers and viewers, helping them confront their own challenges, learn from experiences, and engage with complex stories.

Not all stories and myths follow the Hero’s Journey structure, but many do. The Hero’s Journey provides a powerful and familiar narrative pattern that resonates with audiences, but there are other storytelling structures and frameworks as well.

While the Hero’s Journey is commonly used in fiction and mythology, its underlying themes and stages can be applied to real-life experiences. The journey of personal growth, facing challenges, and achieving transformation can be seen as a metaphor for various aspects of human life.

No, the concept of heroism has evolved, and heroes come in different forms today. They can be vulnerable, flawed, and diverse in terms of gender, race, and background. What defines a hero is often their journey of growth, courage, and the positive impact they have on their communities.

While the Hero’s Journey does have a general structure, it allows for variations and unique twists. Skilled storytellers can adapt the stages and incorporate their own creativity, resulting in narratives that feel fresh and engaging despite following the underlying pattern.

Yes, contemporary narratives can deviate from the Hero’s Journey structure or use it as a loose framework. Some stories intentionally subvert or deconstruct the traditional elements of the Hero’s Journey to create new and innovative narratives.

While mentors are a common feature in the Hero’s Journey, they are not mandatory. Mentors provide guidance and assistance to the hero, but some stories may emphasize the hero’s self-discovery and internal transformation without the presence of a traditional mentor figure.

No, the Hero’s Journey is not exclusive to Western literature and mythology. Joseph Campbell identified this narrative pattern across various cultures and found that it is a universal structure present in myths and stories from different parts of the world.

The Hero’s Journey can be applied to both long narratives, such as novels or film sagas, and shorter stories. While longer narratives provide more room for elaboration, the essential stages of the Hero’s Journey can be condensed and adapted to fit shorter formats.

No, the Hero’s Journey can be found in various genres, including fantasy and adventure, but it is not limited to them. The structure has been applied to diverse genres such as science fiction, romance, mystery, and even realistic fiction, as long as the narrative follows the core stages and themes.

Yes, the Hero’s Journey can be relevant to personal development and self-improvement. The stages of the journey can be seen as metaphors for overcoming challenges, discovering one’s strengths, and achieving personal growth. The narrative structure can provide inspiration and guidance for individuals on their own transformative journeys.

Myth Buster

Reality : While the Hero’s Journey provides a general structure, it allows for flexibility, adaptations, and variations. Skilled storytellers can modify or subvert its elements while still incorporating the underlying themes and stages.

Reality : The Hero’s Journey continues to be relevant in contemporary narratives, including literature, film, and television. It has evolved to reflect modern values, diverse heroes, and updated storytelling techniques.

Reality : The concept of heroism has expanded to include diverse representations. Heroes can be of any gender, race, or background, and their strength can be displayed in various ways, including emotional resilience, intelligence, and compassion.

Reality : Joseph Campbell identified the Hero’s Journey as a universal narrative structure found in myths and stories across cultures worldwide. It is not limited to Western literature and mythology.

Reality : While the Hero’s Journey is commonly used in fiction and mythology, its themes and stages can be applied metaphorically to real-life experiences, personal growth, and self-transformation.

Reality : While the Hero’s Journey follows a general structure, skilled storytellers can bring creativity and originality to their narratives. They can subvert expectations, add unique twists, and explore new perspectives, resulting in fresh and engaging stories.

Reality : While the Hero’s Journey often involves external challenges, it also emphasizes the hero’s internal transformation and personal growth. The psychological and emotional journey of the hero is a central aspect of the narrative structure.

Reality : The Hero’s Journey remains a potent narrative structure in modern storytelling due to its ability to resonate with audiences. Skilled storytellers continue to adapt and evolve the structure to reflect contemporary values and themes.

Reality : While romantic relationships can be part of the hero’s journey in some stories, they are not a mandatory element. The focus of the Hero’s Journey is primarily on the hero’s personal growth, challenges, and transformation.

Reality : The Hero’s Journey can be portrayed in a linear or nonlinear manner. Some narratives employ flashbacks, multiple perspectives, or parallel storylines to depict the stages of the journey in a non-linear fashion, while still maintaining the essential elements of the structure.

Which scholar defined and popularized the concept of the Hero’s Journey? A. Carl Jung B. Joseph Campbell C. Sigmund Freud D. Friedrich Nietzsche

What are the three stages of the Hero’s Journey? A. Departure, Initiation, Return B. Introduction, Climax, Resolution C. Beginning, Middle, End D. Exploration, Conflict, Resolution

What is the purpose of the hero’s mentor in the Hero’s Journey? A. To provide challenges for the hero B. To serve as a romantic interest for the hero C. To guide and assist the hero on their journey D. To hinder the hero’s progress

What is the “boon” in the context of the Hero’s Journey? A. The hero’s weapon or artifact B. The hero’s victory over the main antagonist C. The reward or gift the hero brings back from their journey D. The hero’s transformation into a mythical creature

Can the Hero’s Journey be applied to non-fiction or real-life experiences? A. Yes, it can serve as a metaphor for personal growth B. No, it is exclusively for fictional stories C. Only if the journey involves physical adventures D. Only if the hero is a historical figure

Get Vocabulary Voyages E-Book for Free!

Build your vocabulary today in the context of 40 beautiful stories about profound words with interactive elements, QR codes, exercises and more, for FREE ! You will get the FULL E-Book not just a preview!

I will also be sending you the weekly digest to share with you the latest content I add here on the website.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and get your weekly dose of English Plus content!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Danny Ballan

You may also like, no results found.

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Recent Posts

10 Brilliant Minds Who Shaped How We Understand Ourselves

Apr 2, 2024 | Top Ten

Meet the top 10 pioneers of human development theory who changed the way we think about childhood, growth, and human potential.

Film & Theater Quiz: Do You Know Your Stage and Screen Lingo?

Apr 2, 2024 | Vocabulary

Test your understanding of cinema and stagecraft with this quiz. Can you tell your close-up from your curtain call?

Beyond the Stereotypes: What Does a Social Worker Really Do?

Apr 1, 2024 | Career Insights

Discover the true heart of social work – the day-to-day tasks, challenges, and rewards of supporting individuals, families, and communities.

Balancing Screens and Books: Why Your Child Needs Both

Apr 1, 2024 | Education Spotlights

Is your child glued to a screen? Discover the importance of balancing screen time with traditional learning for optimal development and success.

Science Innovations Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Breakthroughs

Apr 1, 2024 | Trivia

Explore your understanding of scientific discoveries and inventions with this challenging quiz on groundbreaking breakthroughs.

Theme in Creative Writing: The Heart of Your Story

Mar 31, 2024 | Creative Writing Tips

What is theme in a story? Learn how to identify a powerful theme, and use it to create meaningful fiction. Get examples and tips!

• Audio Series (13)
• Crossword Puzzles in Context (176)
• Common Mistakes in English (5)
• Cultural English (7)
• English For Specific Purposes (3)
• Focus on Business (8)
• Focus on Grammar (8)
• Focus on Literature (7)
• Focus on Skills (7)
• Focus on Speaking (7)
• Focus on Vocabulary (8)
• Focus on Writing (7)
• Grammar And Vocabulary (6)
• Idiomatic Expressions (8)
• Listening and Speaking (3)
• Reading and Writing (3)
• Common Mistakes in English (4)
• Daily Flash Facts (15)
• Daily Proverbs (51)
• Countries (8)
• Grammar (10)
• History (8)
• Literature (11)
• Science (11)
• Trivia (10)
• Vocabulary (11)
• Daily Quotes (50)
• English Usage Daily (4)
• Expression of the Day (15)
• Know Yourself Daily (15)
• Poetry Daily (5)
• Spotlights Daily (5)
• Word of the Day (15)
• A Very Short History of the World (16)
• Beyond Earth (2)
• Big Ideas Explained (10)
• Business Spotlights (38)
• Career Insights (25)
• Creative Writing Tips (18)
• Cultural Insights (24)
• Did You Know (22)
• English Plus Multimedia (4)
• Fact or Fiction (18)
• Frequently Asked Questions (21)
• General Spotlights (10)
• Gods and Heroes (27)
• Grammar Galaxy (2)
• Health and Fitness (29)
• Her Story (2)
• History Spotlights (44)
• Lessons from Everything (1)
• Lifelines (3)
• Literary Echoes (35)
• Mysteries Revealed (21)
• Planet Earth (18)
• Curriculum Development (2)
• Education Policy (2)
• Education Spotlights (26)
• Educational Technology (10)
• Language Learning Strategies (5)
• Learning and the Brain (8)
• Parent and Community (9)
• Teacher Development (2)
• Teaching Strategies (1)
• Podcasting (2)
• Polyglot (1)
• Arts and Literature (6)
• Danny's Poetry (3)
• Immortal Books (8)
• Immortals (6)
• Ink & Ashes (1)
• Literary Spotlights (1)
• Myths and Legends (7)
• NonFiction (1)
• Poet Diary (1)
• Poetry for Everyone (6)
• Project Orpheus (1)
• Short Stories (2)
• Short Stories for Everyone (5)
• Writing Tips and Techniques (9)
• Science Spotlights (48)
• Short Introductions (179)
• Social Spotlights (46)
• The Journey Within (59)
• Top Ten (9)
• War and Peace (23)
• 101 Series (1)
• Ask Danny (1)
• Bonus Episodes (1)
• Business English (44)
• Common Mistakes (7)
• Discussions (5)
• Down to Business (3)
• Education for All (1)
• English Express (21)
• English Plus Show (1)
• Fantastic Guest (4)
• Grammar (41)
• History (22)
• Know Thyself (2)
• Let's Talk Literature (5)
• Magazine Spotlights (1)
• Mythology (19)
• Our Story (1)
• Poetry (33)
• Pronunciation (4)
• Real Conversations (7)
• Science (20)
• Society and Culture (9)
• Stories (32)
• Technology (1)
• The Daily Digest (4)
• The Universe (1)
• Vocabulary Building (114)
• Vocabulary in Context (2)
• Vocabulary Voyages (3)
• Word Power (87)
• Writing (4)
• Featured Articles (8)
• Red Dead Redemption (1)
• The Last of Us (2)
• The Odyssey (1)

Pin It on Pinterest

Snapsolve any problem by taking a picture. Try it in the Numerade app?

The Art of Narrative

Learn to write.

A Complete Guide to The Hero’s Journey (or The Monomyth)

Learn how to use the 12 steps of the Hero’s Journey to structure plot, develop characters, and write riveting stories that will keep readers engaged!

Before I start this post I would like to acknowledged the tragedy that occurred in my country this past month. George Floyd, an innocent man, was murdered by a police officer while three other officers witnessed that murder and remained silent.

To remain silent, in the face of injustice, violen ce, and murder is to be complicit . I acknowledge that as a white man I have benefited from a centuries old system of privilege and abuse against black people, women, American Indians, immigrants, and many, many more.

This systemic abuse is what lead to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Treyvon Martin, Philando Castile, Freddie Gray, Walter Scott, Tamir Rice and many more. Too many.

Whether I like it or not I’ve been complicit in this injustice. We can’t afford to be silent anymore. If you’re disturbed by the violence we’ve wit nessed over, and over again please vote this November, hold your local governments accountable, peacefully protest, and listen. Hopefully, together we can bring positive change. And, together, we can heal .

In this post, we’ll go over the stages of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, also known as the Monomyth. We’ll talk about how to use it to structure your story. You’ll also find some guided questions for each section of the Hero’s Journey. These questions are designed to help guide your thinking during the writing process. Finally, we’ll go through an example of the Hero’s Journey from 1997’s Men In Black.  

Down at the bottom, we’ll go over reasons you shouldn’t rely on the Monomyth. And we’ll talk about a few alternatives for you to consider if the Hero’s Journey isn’t right for your story.  

But, before we do all that let’s answer the obvious question- 

What is the Hero’s Journey?

The Hero’s Journey was first described by Joseph Campbell. Campbell was an American professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College. He wrote about the Hero’s Journey in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces . More than a guide, this book was a study on the fundamental structure of myths throughout history. 

Through his study, Campbell identified seventeen stages that make up what he called the Monomyth or Hero’s Journey. We’ll go over these stages in the next section. Here’s how Campbell describes the Monomyth in his book:

“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.” 

Something important to note is that the Monomyth was not conceived as a tool for writers to develop a plot. Rather, Campbell identified it as a narrative pattern that was common in mythology. 

George Lucas used Campbell’s Monomyth to structure his original Star Wars film. Thanks to Star Wars ’ success, filmmakers have adopted the Hero’s Journey as a common plot structure in movies. 

We see it in films like The Matrix , Spider-man , The Lion King , and many more. But, keep in mind, this is not the only way to structure a story. We’ll talk about some alternatives at the end of this post. 

With that out of the way, let’s go over the twelve stages of the Hero’s Journey, or Monomyth. We’ll use the original Men In Black film as an example (because why not?). And, we’ll look at some questions to help guide your thinking, as a writer, at each stage. 

Quick note – The original Hero’s Journey is seventeen stages. But, Christopher Vogler, an executive working for Disney, condensed Campbell’s work. Vogler’s version has twelve stages, and it’s the version we’re talking about today. Vogler wrote a guide to use the Monomyth and I’ll link to it at the bottom.)

The 12 Stages of The Hero’s Journey 

The ordinary world .

This is where the hero’s story begins. We meet our hero in a down-to-earth, or humble setting. We establish the hero as an ordinary citizen in this world, not necessarily “special” in any way. 

Think exposition . 

We get to know our hero at this stage of the story. We learn about the hero’s life, struggles, inner or outer demons. This an opportunity for readers to identify with the hero. A good idea since the story will be told from the hero’s perspective. 

Read more about perspective and POV here.

In Men In Black, we meet our hero, James, who will become Agent J, chasing someone down the streets of a large city. The story reveals some important details through the action of the plo t. Let’s go over these details and how they’re shown through action. 

Agent J’s job: He’s a cop. We know this because he’s chasing a criminal. He waves a badge and yells, “NYPD! Stop!” 

The setting: The line “NYPD!” tells us that J is a New York City cop. The chase sequence also culminates on the roof of the Guggenheim Museum. Another clue to the setting. 

J’s Personality: J is a dedicated cop. We know this because of his relentless pursuit of the suspect he’s chasing. J is also brave. He jumps off a bridge onto a moving bus. He also chases a man after witnessing him climb vertically, several stories, up a wall. This is an inhuman feat that would have most people noping out of there. J continues his pursuit, though. 

Guided Questions

• What is your story’s ordinary world setting? 
• How is this ordinary world different from the special world that your hero will enter later in the story? 
• What action in this story will reveal the setting? 
• Describe your hero and their personality. 
• What action in the story will reveal details about your hero? 

The Call of Adventure

The Call of Adventure is an event in the story that forces the hero to take action. The hero will move out of their comfort zone, aka the ordinary world. Does this sound familiar? It should, because, in practice, The Call of Adventure is an Inciting Event. 

Read more about Inciting Events here. 

The Call of Adventure can take many forms. It can mean a literal call like one character asking another to go with them on a journey or to help solve a problem. It can also be an event in the story that forces the character to act. 

The Call of Adventure can include things like the arrival of a new character, a violent act of nature, or a traumatizing event. The Call can also be a series of events like what we see in our example from Men In Black.  

The first Call of Adventure comes from the alien that Agent J chases to the roof of the Guggenheim. Before leaping from the roof, the alien says to J, “Your world’s going to end.” This pique’s the hero’s interest and hints at future conflict. 

The second Call of Adventure comes after Agent K shows up to question J about the alien. K wipes J’s memory after the interaction, but he gives J a card with an address and a time. At this point, J has no idea what’s happened. All he knows is that K has asked him to show up at a specific place the next morning. 

The final and most important Call comes after K has revealed the truth to J while the two sit on a park bench together. Agent K tells J that aliens exist. K reveals that there is a secret organization that controls alien activity on Earth. And the Call- Agent K wants J to come to work for this organization.  

• What event (or events) happen to incite your character to act? 
• How are these events disruptive to your character’s life? 
• What aspects of your story’s special world will be revealed and how? (think action) 
• What other characters will you introduce as part of this special world? 

Refusal of the Call

This is an important stage in the Monomyth. It communicates with the audience the risks that come with Call to Adventure. Every Hero’s Journey should include risks to the main characters and a conflict. This is the stage where your hero contemplates those risks.  They will be tempted to remain in the safety of the ordinary world. 

In Men in Black, the Refusal of the Call is subtle. It consists of a single scene. Agent K offers J membership to the Men In Black. With that comes a life of secret knowledge and adventure. But, J will sever all ties to his former life. No one anywhere will ever know that J existed. Agent K tells J that he has until sunrise to make his decision.

J does not immediately say, “I’m in,” or “When’s our first mission.” Instead, he sits on the park bench all night contemplating his decision. In this scene, the audience understands that this is not an easy choice for him. Again, this is an excellent use of action to demonstrate a plot point. 

It’s also important to note that J only asks K one question before he makes his decision, “is it worth it?” K responds that it is, but only, “if you’re strong enough.” This line of dialogue becomes one of two dramatic questions in the movie. Is J strong enough to be a man in black? 

• What will your character have to sacrifice to answer the call of adventure? 
• What fears does your character have about leaving the ordinary world? 
• What risks or dangers await them in the special world? 

Meeting the Mentor 

At this point in the story, the hero is seeking wisdom after initially refusing the call of adventure. The mentor fulfills this need for your hero. 

The mentor is usually a character who has been to the special world and knows how to navigate it. Mentor’s provides your hero with tools and resources to aid them in their journey. It’s important to note that the mentor doesn’t always have to be a character. The mentor could be a guide, map, or sacred texts. 

If you’ve seen Men In Black then you can guess who acts as J’s mentor. Agent K, who recruited J, steps into the mentor role once J accepts the call to adventure. 

Agent K gives J a tour of the MIB headquarters. He introduces him to key characters and explains to him how the special world of the MIB works. Agent K also gives J his signature weapon, the Noisy Cricket. 

• Who is your hero’s mentor? 
• How will your character find and encounter with their mentor? 
• What tools and resources will your mentor provide? 
• Why/how does your mentor know the special world? 

Crossing the Threshold 

This is the point where your hero finally crosses over from the ordinary world into the special one. At this point, there is no turning back for your hero. 

Your hero may not cross into the special world on their own. Or, they may need a dramatic event that forces them to act.

At this point, you’ll want to establish the dramatic question of your story. This is the question will your reader wants to answer by the end of your story. A dramatic question is what will keep your audience reading. 

Once J decides to commit to the MIB Agent K starts the process of deleting J’s identity. The filmmakers do a great job communicating the drastic nature of J’s decision. This is done through, again, action and an effective voice-over. J’s social security number is deleted, and his fingerprints are burned off. He dons a nondescript black suit, sunglasses, and a sick-ass Hamilton watch . 

This scene is immediately followed by a threatening message sent by aliens called the Arquillians. They tell the MIB they will destroy the Earth unless J and K can deliver a galaxy. The only problem is no one knows what the galaxy is. So, we get our story question. Can J and K find and deliver the MacGuffin before the Earth is destroyed? 

Read more about MacGuffins here.

• What event will push your hero into the special world? 
• Once they enter the special world, what keeps them from turning back?
• What is the dramatic question you will introduce?
• How will your hero’s life change once they’ve entered the special world?

Tests, Allies, Enemies

This is stage is exactly what it sounds like. Once they’ve entered the special world, your hero will be tested. They will learn the rules of this new world. Your hero’s mentor may have to further teach your hero. 

The hero will also begin collecting allies. Characters whose goals align with those of your hero’s. People who will help your hero achieve their goal. These characters may even join your hero on their quest. 

And this is also the point where your hero’s enemy will reveal themselves. Now, you’ve may have hinted at, or even introduced the villain in the earlier stages. But, this is where the audience discovers how much of a threat this villain is to your hero. 

Read more about creating villains here. 

J and K arrive at the city morgue to investigate the body of a slain member of Arquillian royalty. While there, J encounters the villain of the film. He is lured into a standoff with Edgar. Edgar isn’t Edgar. He’s a 10 foot tall, alien cockroach wearing an “Edgar suit.” 

J doesn’t know that yet, though. 

Edgar has also taken a hostage. He threatens the life of Dr. Laurel Weaver who has discovered the truth about aliens living on Earth. Dr. Weaver becomes an ally of J’s as he continues his search for the Arquillian’s galaxy. 

J is faced with a new test as well. Just before he dies, the Arquillian alien tells J that the galaxy is on Orion’s Belt. J must discover the meaning behind this cryptic message if he hopes to save Earth. 

• Who is the villain of your story, and what is their goal?
• Who are your hero’s allies?
• How will your hero meet them? And, How do everyone’s goals align? 
• How will your hero be tested? Through battle? A puzzle? An emotional trauma? 

Approach to the Inmost Cave

The inmost cave is the path towards the central conflict of your story. In this section, your hero is preparing for battle. They may be regrouping with allies, going over important information, or taking a needed rest. This is also a part of the story where you may want to inject some humor. 

The approach is also a moment for your audience to regroup. This is an important aspect of pacing. A fast-paced story can be very exciting for the audience, but at some point, the writer needs to tap the breaks. 

This approach section gives your audience time to process the plot and consider the stakes of your conflict. This is also a good time to introduce a ticking clock, and it’s perfect for character development. 

In Men, In Black the Approach the Inmost Cave involves an interview with a character called Frank the Pug. Frank is a Pug breed of dog. He’s an alien in disguise. 

Frank knows important details about the conflict between the Arquillians and Edgar. This is one of the funnier scenes in an overall funny film. 

Read more about alliteration here… jk. 

Frank also gives J a vital clue to determine the location of the Arquillian’s galaxy. They also discover that the galaxy is an energy source and not an actual galaxy. 

Finally, we have the arrival of the Arquillian battleship come to destroy Earth. They give the MIB a warning. If the galaxy is not returned in one hour the will fire on the planet. So, we have a literal ticking clock. 

• Where and how will your hero slow down and regroup? 
• What information or resources will they need to go into the final battle? 
• How can you introduce some humor or character development into this section? 
• What kind of “ticking clock” will you introduce to increase the stakes of your final act? 

The Ordeal 

The Ordeal is about one thing, and that’s death. Your hero must go through a life-altering challenge. This will be a conflict where the hero faces their greatest fears. 

It’s essential that your audience feels as if the hero is really in danger. Make the audience question whether the hero will make it out alive. But, your story’s stakes may not be life or death, such as in a comedy or romance. 

In that case the death your character experiences will be symbolic. And, your audience will believe that there’s a chance the hero won’t achieve their goal. 

Through the ordeal, your hero will experience death whether that be real or symbolic. With this death, the hero will be reborn with greater powers or insight. Overall, the ordeal should be the point in which your character hits rock bottom. 

The Ordeal in Men In Black comes the moment when J and K confront Edgar at the site of the World’s Fair. In the confrontation with Edgar, K is eaten alive by Edgar. At this moment J is left alone to confront death. The audience is left to wonder if J can defeat Edgar on his own. 

Guided Questions 

• What death will your hero confront? 
• What does “rock bottom” mean for your character? 
• How will your hero be changed on the other side of this death event? 

Reward or Seizing the Sword

At this point in the story, your hero will earn some tangible treasure for all their trouble. This can be a physical treasure. In the context of the monomyth, this is often referred to as the elixir or sword. 

However, the reward can be inwardly focused. Your hero might discover hidden knowledge or insight that helps them vanquish their foe. Or, your hero can find their confidence or some self-actualization. This reward, whatever it is, is the thing that they will take with them. It is what they earn from all their hard-fought struggles. 

Once K is eaten J seems to be on his own with a massive alien cockroach. This is a pretty bad spot for the rookie agent. What’s worse is the Arquillian clock is still ticking. Edgar, the cockroach, is about to escape Earth, with the galaxy, sealing the planet’s fate. 

All seems lost until J claims his reward. In this case, that reward comes in the form of an insight J has about Edgar. Being a giant cockroach, J realizes that Edgar may have a weakness for his Earth-bound counterparts. So, J kicks out a dumpster and starts to smash all the scurrying bugs under his foot. 

J guesses correctly, and Edgar is momentarily distracted by J’s actions. Edgar climbs down from his ship to confront J. Agent K, who is still alive in Edgar’s stomach, can activate a gun, and blow Edgar in two.  J’s reward is the knowledge that he is no longer a rookie, and he is strong enough for this job. J also captures a physical treasure. After Edgar has exploded, J finds the galaxy which Edgar had swallowed earlier in the film. In this scene, both dramatic questions are answered. The MIB can save the world. And, J is strong enough for the MIB.  

• What reward will your hero win?
• A physical treasure, hidden knowledge, inner wisdom, or all of the above? 

The Road Back 

At this point, your hero has had some success in their quest and is close to returning to the ordinary world. Your hero has experienced a change from their time in the special world. This change might make your hero’s return difficult. Similar to when your hero crossed the threshold, your hero may need an event that forces them to return. 

The road back must be a dramatic turning point that heightens stakes and changes the direction of your story. This event will also re-establish the dramatic question of your story. This act may present a final challenge for your hero before they can return home. 

In Men In Black, the road backstage gets a little tricky. The film establishes that when J crosses the threshold he is not able to go back to the ordinary world. His entire identity is erased. Having J go back to his life as a detective would also undo his character growth and leave the audience feeling cheated. Luckily, the filmmakers work around this by having K return to the ordinary world rather than J. 

After Edgar is defeated, K tells J that he is retiring from the MIB and that J will step in as K’s replacement. The movie establishes early that agents can retire, but only after having their memory wiped. So, K asks J to wipe his memory so that he can return to a normal life. Once again, J has to grapple with the question of whether he is strong enough for this job. Can he bring himself to wipe K’s memory and lose his mentor forever? Can he fill K’s shoes as an MIB agent? 

• How will your hero have to recommit to their journey? 
• What event will push your hero through their final test? 
• What final test will your hero face before they return to the ordinary world? 

Resurrection 

This is the final act of your story. The hero will have one last glorious encounter with the forces that are set against them. This is the culminating event for your hero. Everything that has happened to your hero has prepared them for this moment. 

This can also be thought of as a rebirth for your hero. A moment when they shed all the things that have held them back throughout the story. The resurrection is when your hero applies all the things they’ve learned through their journey. 

The final moment can be a physical battle, or again, it can be metaphorical. This is also a moment when allies return to lend a last-minute hand. But, as with any ending of a story, you need to make sure your hero is the one who saves the day. 

So, here’s where things start to get a little clumsy. There are a couple of moments that could be a resurrection for our hero J. It could be the moment he faces off with Edgar. This is right before Edgar is killed. But, it’s K that pulls the trigger and kills Edgar. Based on our explanation J needs to be the one who saves the day. Maybe by stalling for time J is the one responsible for saving the day? It’s hard to say what the filmmakers’ intention was here. 

The second moment that could represent a resurrection for J might be when he wipes K’s memory. It is the final dramatic hurdle that J faces before he can become a true Man in Black. But, this moment doesn’t resolve the conflict of the film. 

Notice that the Hero’s Journey framework isn’t always followed to the letter by all storytellers. We’ll get back to this point at the end of the article. 

• What final challenge will your hero face? 
• How will your hero use the skills they’ve used to overcome their last challenge?
• How will your hero’s allies help save the day?  

Return with the Elixir

The ending of your story. Your hero returns to the ordinary world, but this time they carry with them the rewards earned during their journey. They may share these rewards with others who inhabit the ordinary world. But most important, is that you show that your hero has changed for the better. 

The elixir represents whatever your hero gained on their journey. Remember, the elixir can be an actual physical reward like a treasure. But, the elixir can also be a metaphorical prize like knowledge or a feeling of fulfillment.  This is a moment where your hero will return some sort of balance to the ordinary world. 

Be sure to show that the journey has had a permanent effect on your hero. 

In the final scene of the movie, we see that J has taken on a mentor role for Dr. Weaver, an MIB recruit now. He has physically changed- his clothes are more representative of his personality. This physical transformation is meant to show that J has fully embraced his new life and journey. No longer a rookie, J has stepped into his mentor, K’s, role. 

• How will you show that your character has changed from their journey? 
• What reward will they bring back to the ordinary world? 
• In what way will they change the ordinary world when they return? 

Should I Use the Hero’s Journey for My Story? 

This is a question you should ask yourself before embarking on your journey. The Monomyth works well as a framework. This is pretty obvious when you realize how many films have used it as a plotting device. 

But there’s a downside to the popularity of the Monomyth. And that’s that audiences are very familiar with the beats of this kind of story. Sure, they may not be able to describe each of the twelve sections in detail. But, audiences know, intuitively, what is going to happen in these stories. At the very least, audiences, or readers, know how these stories are going to end. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If your story is exciting, well-paced, and the stakes are high, people aren’t going to mind some predictability. But, if you want to shock your readers- 

(And if you’re interested in how to shock readers with a plot twist, click here. )

this might not be the best story structure. And, despite how popular it is, the hero’s journey ain’t the only game in town when it comes to story structure. And, you can always take artistic liberty with the Hero’s Journey. The fact that audiences are expecting certain beats means you have an opportunity to subvert expectations. 

You can skip parts of the hero’s journey if they don’t fit your plot. With my example, Men In Black it was difficult to fit the story neatly into the hero’s journey framework. This is because aspects of the movie, like the fact that it’s a buddy comedy, don’t always jive with a hero’s journey. Agent K has an important character arch, and so he ends up killing the villain rather than J. But, K’s arch isn’t at all a hero’s journey. 

The point is, don’t feel locked in by any single structure. Allow yourself some freedom to tell your story. If there’s no purpose to a resurrection stage in your story then skip it! No one is going to deduct your points. 

With that said, here are a few resources on the Hero’s Journey, and some alternate plot structures you’ll want to check out! 

This post contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

Further Reading on Plot Structure and the Hero’s Journey

If you’d like to learn more about the Hero’s Journey, or Monomyth, why not go straight to the source? The Hero With 1000 Faces is a collection of work written by Joseph Campbell. His version of the hero’s journey has 17 stages. This is less of a writing manual and more of an exploration of the evolution of myth and storytelling through the ages. 

The Seven Basic Plots , by Christopher Booker, is another academic study of storytelling by Christopher Booker. Booker identifies seven basic plots that all stories fit into. They are: 

• Overcoming the Monster
• Rags to Riches
• Voyage and Return

The Snowflake Method is a teaching tool designed by Randy Ingermanson that will take you through a step-by-step process of writing a novel. The Snowflake Method boils down the novel-writing process six-step process. You will start with a single sentence and with each step you build on that sentence until you have a full-fledged novel! If you’re love processes then pick up a copy of this book today.  

In The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, Hollywood consultant, Christopher Vogler teaches writers how to use the Hero’s Journey to write riveting stories.

Resources: 

Wikipedia- Joseph Campbell

Wikipedia- Hero With 1000 Faces

Published by John

View all posts by John

6 comments on “A Complete Guide to The Hero’s Journey (or The Monomyth)”

• Pingback: How to Create Stories with the Three-Act Structure - The Art of Narrative
• Pingback: Kishōtenketsu: Exploring The Four Act Story Structure - The Art of Narrative
• Pingback: A Definitive Guide to the Seven-Point Story Structure - The Art of Narrative
• Pingback: What are Character Archetypes? 25 Character Archetypes Explained - The Art of Narrative
• Pingback: How to use the 27 Chapter Plot Structure - The Art of Narrative

I don’t understand the use of all those pictures/graphics you threw in as I was reading. They were extremely distracting and seriously detracted from whatever message you were trying to convey.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Copy and paste this code to display the image on your site

Discover more from The Art of Narrative

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading