1. 9 th Grade English Mrs. Leach and Mrs. Flatt

3.  Hero: (1) In mythology, a mighty warrior who is often the son of a god or king and goes on an epic quest. (Odysseus)

4.  Hero: (2) Main character of a story who often displays admirable qualities.

5.  Anti-Hero: Main character of a story who is flawed in some way and often does not display admirable qualities.

6.  Why do you think that flawed main characters sometimes are more likable than ones who are not?  Over the years, the number of anti-heroes playing the lead in movies has risen. Why do you think this is?

7.  Think of the hero’s journey as a cycle that the hero must go through. 1. Departure 2. Initiation 3. Return

8.  Call to Adventure- The character is called (willingly or unwillingly) to do something out of the ordinary.  Refusal of the Call- Sometimes the character doesn’t want to go on the adventure.  Answering the call- There is something that motivates the character to accept the call.  Supernatural Aid- Someone or something (with magical powers, usually) helps the hero on the journey.

9.  Guide/ Mentor- A specific character helps the hero understand the life situation or provides the hero with special training.  Talisman- An item of significance (a necklace, a token, a totem).  Companions- These help the hero on the journey.  Crossing the Threshold- The Hero leaves the familiar and goes to the unfamiliar.  Threshold Guardians- Prevent the hero from crossing into the unfamiliar.

10.  Road of Trials- Challenges that the hero faces.  Brother Battle- a physical or mental battle with a close relative or friend.  Meeting the Goddess- meeting with a special beauty or power.  Abduction- the character (or someone close to them) is kidnapped.  Night/Sea Journey- the hero travels on the sea or in the dark.

11.  Dragon Battle- the hero battles a monster of some kind (either an enemy or personal demon).  Ritual Death- The hero is thought to be dead OR the hero believes someone close to him/her is dead. The hero may also suffer an injury.  Sacred marriage- a literal marriage or special emotional bond.  Atonement- usually a reuniting with a father (or father figure).

12.  Entering the belly of the whale- The point where the hero must face his deepest, darkest fear.  Apotheosis- The point where the hero is worshipped as a god?  Ultimate Boon/ Magic Elixir- The hero finds some special solution to a problem he/she is attempting to resolve (possible a magic potion).

13.  Refusal of the Return- The hero refuses to return to the homeland or the place that he/ she began the journey.  Magic Flight/Pursuit- Towards the end, where the hero is being chased or trying to escape from something.  Rescue from Without- All seems hopeless, it seems that the hero will die, then suddenly a rescue happens unexpectedly.  Crossing the Return Threshold- The hero clearly returns “home.”

14.  Master of Two Worlds- The hero has conquered life in both the familiar and unfamiliar worlds.  Freedom to Live- The hero has resolved the problem so that all can live freely.