The Hero's Journey

Please read each slide carefully and answer the questions.

​

The Hero's Journey

1. The Ordinary World

This is the hero's normal, everyday life. We get to know the hero as a person before they go on their journey to becoming a hero.

Multiple Select

What is Bilbo's "Ordinary World" in The Hobbit?

(Select all that apply)

• Comfortable life

• Cozy home

• Super crazy and stressful

• No adventure at all

Open Ended

Are there any scenarios where you would willingly put yourself in a dangerous situation? Explain one.

(Write at least two sentences)

2. Call to Adventure

The hero's ordinary world is disrupted. The hero faces a new challenge (usually a dangerous one) which sets him/her underway on the quest.

Multiple Choice

Which of these would be an example of the start of a call to adventure?

(Select one)

• A character is going on a walk and it begins raining. The character doesn't have an umbrella.

• A character receives a phone call learning that his or her sibling is in danger.

• A character goes to school and gets detention for starting a food fight in the cafeteria.

3. Refusal of the Call

The character is having doubts about his or her ability to face the challenge. He or she may refuse at first or feel overwhelmed by the situation.

Multiple Select

Which of these movies show a "refusal to the call" with a character?

(Select all that apply)

• Shrek

• Harry Potter

• Spiderman

• Lion King

• Mulan

4. Meeting the Mentor

The hero meets someone who helps in some way. This person might give advice or help the hero feel more confident.

Vitruvius, an old wizard, explains everything that Emmet doesn't understand yet.

He also helps Emmet become a master builder and gain confidence in himself.

​

The Lego Movie Example

Open Ended

What is another example of a movie where the character meets a mentor?

5. Crossing the Threshold

The hero now leaves his or her ordinary world and crosses the threshold into the unfamiliar adventure ahead.

Tiana crosses the threshold by leaving the human world and "jumping" into the frog world.

​

Princess and the Frog

6. Test, Allies, Enemies

The hero is facing some major obstacles and has to learn who can be trusted and who is an enemy. We also learn more about the hero's skillset.

Poll

Which superpower would be the most fun to have?

• Ability to teleport

• Invisibility

• Super mega strength

• Ability to read minds

• Flight

7. Approach

The character is nearing the height of the challenge. He or she needs to find courage in order to continue.

8. Ordeal

This is when the hero faces a life-or-death situation. The big question is: Will the hero survive?

Poll

Speaking of life or death situations, which of these extreme sports would you be willing to do?

• Bungee Jumping

• Skydiving

• Bull riding

• Scuba diving

• Surfing

9. Reward

The hero has defeated the enemy and escaped death (usually with some kind of reward.) Rewards can include newfound knowledge/secrets, reconciliation, or an object which holds importance.

Open Ended

If you could get a lifetime supply of something as a reward, what would you choose?

(Write at least one complete sentence)

10. The Road Back

The hero must now make their way back to their ordinary world. Usually there is some kind of twist or new challenge.

On their way back from saving Princess Fiona, Donkey finds out Princess Fiona has been hiding a secret. She's an ogre, too!

​

Shrek

11. Resurrection

This is the final test for the hero. This is often times the most dangerous challenge the hero will face.

12. Return with the Elixir

This is the final stage of the journey. The hero returns back to their ordinary world. The hero will have changed in some way.

Sully learns that humans aren't as scary as he thought. He becomes more compassionate and even ends up being friends with Boo.

​

​Monster's Inc Example

Open Ended

List as many movies as you can think of that

follow The Hero's Journey pattern.