The Heroic Journey English 9

The Ordinary World The hero is in their normal world but feels incomplete or unsatisfied

The Ordinary World The journey begins with the hero in the ordinary world except that there is something that isn’t quite right, which is usually shown in a flaw Sets the tone and usually the theme for the story Hero’s first action illustrates goals, desires, drives, need, which will surface as the story unfolds and allow the reader to identify with the hero Often there is a separation of some sort the hero starts to make from the Ordinary World

The Call to Adventure/Action The catalyst that pushes the hero out of his ordinary world

The Call to Adventure/Action Hero is presented with a problem or challenge Usually higher stakes The “call” can come in the form of a message, letter, phone call, dream, temptation, last straw or loss of something precious and is delivered by a herald

Refusal of the Call The hero resists the call, adding tension and conflict

Refusal of the Call Hero usually initially balks at the call as he/she is being asked to face the greatest of fears The call will be risky The hero will lose something big The hesitation leads the reader to believe the journey may not be successful

Meeting with the Mentor The mentor encourages the hero and provides guidance and support

Meeting with the Mentor The mentor is to prepare the hero to face the unknown and accept the adventure The mentor provides supplies (sometimes magic), confidence, advice, and can help the hero to overcome his or her fear and face the challenge

Crossing the Threshold The first moment of departure from the ordinary world, a step filled with emotion

Crossing the Threshold The hero agrees to face the journey The hero crosses from the Ordinary World into the Special World The hero often has no other choice but to face the action Threshold guardians appear and the hero must find his way around these The guardians may be symbolized by gates, doors, bridges, canyons, oceans, etc

Tests, Allies, Enemies A series of trials, giving an insight into what lies ahead. The strengths of his companions are shown.

Tests, Allies, Enemies The hero is tested to prepare him for the ordeals that lie ahead The Special World is usually dominated by a villain or shadow who has set up traps The hero forms a new relationship in the form of a sidekick and discovers rivals The reader’s focus is to learn about the important characters

Approach to the Inmost Cave The hero is ready for the supreme ordeal. This is the start of the action.

Approach to the Inmost Cave The hero has adjusted to the Special World and goes to seek its heart, the inmost cave There are new zones and new tests The place where the object of the quest is hidden is approached by the hero and where supreme wonder and terror will occur The hero must use every lesson learned to survive

Approach to the Inmost Cave There are often setbacks and times when the hero is torn apart before approaching the cave The hero must get in the minds of those who stand in his way The struggle may become intellectual and physical The hero is brought to the stronghold of the opposition

The Ordeal The hero forces his final fear in a showdown with his nemesis.

The Ordeal The critical moment or major crisis, but not the climax The hero stands in the deepest chamber of the inmost cave and faces a direct confrontation with his greatest fear Death stares the hero in his face Everything has led up to this point Everything after this point will be about going home

Reward: Seizing the Sword The hero has defeated his nemesis and claims his rightful prize.

Reward: Seizing the Sword The hero has cheated death in The Ordeal Now the hero has seized his sword The reward can be something physical, knowledge, experience or sometimes love There is a celebration of overcoming The Ordeal The reader might see a new insight into what this character is like in a state of relaxation

The Road Back The consequences of the hero’s actions become clear and any unresolved issues reappear.

The Road Back The hero must now decide whether to stay in the Special World or return to the Ordinary World, but the hero’s passion for the adventure is renewed. Not all is necessarily well The hero may not have resolved the issue with the conquered villain, which may come after him in vengeance The hero attempts to stall the opposition There are twists and turns, looking like all is lost The hero is resolved to finish and return home, but finds that familiar ways are no longer effective

The Resurrection An event which changes the hero in some way and allows return to his ordinary world.

The Resurrection This is the climax of the story The reader needs one more experience on top of The Ordeal This will be the last dangerous meeting with death

The Resurrection The writer must show how the hero’s behavior has changed and will do this through a feeling of resurrection of behavior Stakes are high and danger is broad. Doesn’t have to be explosive; sometimes it is just a mental change

Return with the Elixir Loose ends are tied up and the hero’s journey is complete. If the hero doesn’t have the elixir, the journey must be repeated.

Return with the Elixer The transformation is complete The hero returns to the Ordinary World with a new understanding Possibly love, freedom, knowledge, etc Unless something is brought back from The Ordeal, the hero is doomed to repeat the adventure

Return with the Elixer There is a feeling of a closed circle, healing and wellness. The villain’s sentence should be directly related to his sins, while the hero’s reward should be proportionate to the sacrifice offered.

Cinderella

The Ordinary World Cinderella is the cherished of a wealthy man loved by all Separation: Cinderella’s father dies, step-mother/sisters treat her like a servant

The Call to Adventure/Action Family receives invitation to a royal ball held to find Prince a wife Cinderella makes a deal with step-mother to finish chores, then go to the ball

Refusal of the Call Step-mother reneges on her promise to let Cinderella go to ball

Meeting with the Mentor Fairy godmother appears, provides her with everything needed to attend the ball

Crossing the Threshold Cinderella transformed from a servant into a mysterious beauty

Tests, Allies, Enemies Cinderella isn’t allowed to tell the prince who she is She must leave by the stroke of midnight when all the magic wears off She has to return to her horrible family after a night of romance and glamour

Approach to the Inmost Cave Cinderella watches helplessly as Prince searches for her and as wicked step-sisters vie for his attention

The Ordeal Cinderella is allowed to try on glass slipper as afterthought

Reward: Seizing the Sword The slipper fits

The Road Back/The Resurrection The slipper fits Cinderella ultimately marries the prince

Return with the Elixir An unloved servant girl is transformed into a princess