1. The Heroic Journey
English 9

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. 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

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

21. 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

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

23. 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

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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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.

28. 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

29. 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.

30. Cinderella

31. 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

32. 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

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

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

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

36. 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

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

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

39. Reward: Seizing the Sword
The slipper fits

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

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