Hero’s Journey: Shrek

1. The Ordinary World Shrek’s ordinary world is his swamp. Shrek lives in a swamp all by himself and is happy with that set up. He has no interest in neighbors or having friends near by.

2. Call to Adventure A bunch of fairy tale creatures end up displaced in Shrek’s swamp and ask him for help.

3. Refusal Shrek tells the other fairy tale creatures to get out of his swamp because he has no interest in helping them, only in having his swamp to himself.

4. Mentor/Helper Donkey shows up and essentially annoys Shrek into helping. He later becomes Shrek’s sidekick and moral guide.