Stage 1: The Call to Adventure The point in a hero’s life when first given notice that everything is going to change. The hero is presented with a problem, challenge, or adventure.

Stage 2: Refusal of the Call The hero refuses the call to adventure. This may be from a sense of fear, insecurity, inadequacy, low self-esteem, or any other reason that holds the hero back in his current circumstances.

Stage 3: Supernatural Aid The mentor, guide, or magical helper appears or becomes known. The supernatural aid does not have to have “super” powers, but somehow aids the hero along the journey.

Stage 4: Crossing the Threshold This is the point where the hero actually crosses into the field of adventure, leaving the known limits of the world and venturing into an unknown and different realm where the rules and limits are different.

Stage 5: Road of Trials This is a series of tests, obstacles, challenges, or ordeals that the hero must experience on the journey. The hero may battle literal or figurative monsters, both internally and externally.

Stage 6: Woman as the Temptress This is about temptations that may lead the hero to abandon or stray from the quest. ***The temptation does NOT have to be represented by a woman. The temptation is anything that makes the hero nearly give up or succumb to the temptation.

Stage 7: The Ultimate Boon The achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what the hero went on the journey to get (whether the hero realized it or not). All the previous steps serve to prepare the hero for this step.

Stage 8: Freedom to Live This is sometimes referred to as living in the moment as well as looking ahead, but never regretting the past. The hero has surpassed the difficulties of the journey and is a better person because of it.